Niantic Labs, co-developer of the hit app Pokémon Go, is currently implementing an anti-botting policy or more commonly referred as soft-ban. This is in response to an increasing number of Pokémon Go players who are cheating and not complying with the company's terms of service.
Why do Pokémon Go players cheat?
Cheats are very typical in games. Players get more advantages thus get more XP and level up faster than others. Cheats and hacks in Pokémon Go are just the same. Since Pokémon Go is all about finding Pokémon using GPS, some players already found ways on how to spoof their GPS. Pokémon Go Players who do this can walk around and catch Pokémon without physically leaving their current location.
How can players know that they are already soft-banned?
Pokémon Go Players will know that they are soft-banned when they can access the game but cannot play it. They can go to Pokestops, can spin them but cannot get Poké balls and will remain blue. Players cannot also catch Pokémon. Soft-bans are only temporary but the duration is not consistent. The ban can last for minutes, hours and even up to one day.
More seriously, the developer is also now implementing Permanent Banning of Pokémon Go Players. Permanent Banning can be a result of spoofing GPS and use of unofficial programs and software in playing Pokémon Go.
Fortunately, if you think you are permanently banned from Pokémon Go, you can submit an appeal to Niantic to un-ban your account. However, there is no guarantee that you will be reinstated to the game.
Bans, whether soft or permanent, are a good reminder for players to abide with the terms of service and stay true to the goal of the developer, which is to provide a fair, fun and legitimate game experience for everyone.
