A new security update in Pokémon GO targets third-party apps that interact with the game’s API. Affected are IV checkers and bots.
Many trainers regularly use IV checkers to monitor the values of their monsters. It is now even more important to use software that does not directly access your account. A new security measure is now active, which quickly issues shadow bans.
Third-party software interacting with Niantic’s API is affected. Trackers and some IV checkers are in the crosshairs.
Shadowban in Pokémon GO
A few days ago, a security update was activated in Pokémon GO that affects all third-party apps using the unofficial Pokémon GO API. This was reported by PokémonGOHub.
GPS spoofers are not affected by this update. The focus is on accounts used by third parties such as bots, online trackers, or IV checkers. The update does not prevent their access to the game but marks the corresponding accounts much more aggressively than before. This means that shadow bans are issued much faster, warnings are sent to the accounts, and IP addresses are flagged.
It remains unclear how the security system works – and this is causing trouble for the providers of third-party services. The mechanism that identifies the accounts is still being investigated. Additionally, the operators are unsure of the criteria by which the various penalties (shadow ban, warning, IP address marking) are distributed. It is only known that the system now functions significantly more efficiently and imposes penalties.
Now the providers of the services are trying to figure out what they can do against these measures. Until then, some trackers may not function correctly.
In general, we advise against using IV checkers that require your account data. There are many apps that take screenshots of the Pokémon and their ratings in order to subsequently calculate the IV value. This type of IV check is significantly safer.
