Presence of security cameras, fences, or other surveillance equipment,
Context: Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has tightened laws concerning photography of military sites and critical infrastructure.
Even murals or public art located on military fences may not be photographed legally.
These tasks could unintentionally lead to legal consequences for players, even if they mean no harm.
I kindly request that Niantic disables AR Mapping tasks for such locations, especially those near military objects or other protected areas under Polish law.
Unfortunately, both of my location reports for these POIs were rejected without explanation, which suggests that this issue is not well understood by the moderation team.
Thank you for your time, and I hope this will help avoid similar legal risks for other players in Poland and nearby countries.
I have submitted a report through the Pokémon GO app, requesting that AR Mapping be removed from the PokéStops due to new legal restrictions.
Unfortunately, the response I received was:
“Niantic has decided that your report will be rejected. Visit the Wayfarer Forum and join the conversation.”
That’s why I am raising this here on the forum, as I was explicitly redirected here by Niantic.
Important context update (past few days):
Just a few days ago, there were no “No Photography” signs, and I even completed AR Mapping tasks myself at both locations mentioned earlier.
However, as of 2 days ago, new “No Photography” warning stickers have appeared near both murals.
Yesterday, while walking near the mural, I encountered Military Police (Żandarmeria Wojskowa) and asked them directly if the ban also applies to the mural.
They confirmed that:
There are military surveillance cameras installed on and around the mural,
The photography ban is strict and active,
AR Mapping is absolutely prohibited, as it would involve photographing and scanning surroundings near military property.
This is not a theoretical risk – it is a direct legal and security matter enforced by military authorities.
This is just a general tagline that you get for any in game report. I don’t think it’s saying that it will be resolved here. You’re better trying to give more context in a form like this one - Contact Us — Report an Issue with a Pokéstop/Gym Help Center
I’m aware that the in-game report response is a generic message, but I’d like to clarify:
The issue is not about removing the PokéStop itself – the PokéStop is fine and publicly accessible.
The problem specifically concerns the AR Mapping tasks being assigned to this location, which now cannot legally be photographed due to updated regulations and military enforcement.
The “Contact Us — Report an Issue with a Pokéstop/Gym” form is focused on removing the PokéStop/Gym itself – not AR tasks.
That’s why I believe the Wayfarer forum is the correct place to raise awareness and request that AR Mapping be disabled at such locations due to safety and legal concerns.
If there is a more appropriate channel for AR Mapping-related reports specifically, I’d be happy to follow up there as well – but right now, there’s no clear path for that in the Pokémon GO support flow.
The AR Mapping was assigned by the app at this wayspot/pokestop. There may be several other products that utilize AR mapping which may not be aware of existing real life limitations.
While the title suggests removals, the page found also mentions modifications.
IMO you may choose to forward this form to authorities, inform Pokemon GO about said restrictions with proof via the form, or have the community to self-impose not to utilize the functionalities that are currently restricted in these trying times.
Oh that makes sense of this then. The option to report Pokestops as “unsuitable for AR experience” is not a reason for removing the AR experience, but to remove the Wayspot. I was wondering why no report for that was ever accepted.
Got this message: “Niantic has decided that your report will be rejected.”
So, as suggested, I came here to the forum to explain why the AR Mapping task should be removed from that location.
Unfortunately, I just reported another location today – “Mural Chrzest Polski 966” – and received the exact same rejection message again.
It’s very frustrating when even valid, safety-related reports are auto-rejected without review or consideration of the local legal context.
I would like to add that the entire mural is painted on the fence of an active military base – it’s not just a single piece of graffiti.
According to new laws currently in force in Poland, photographing the entire mural is strictly prohibited, since it is considered part of protected military infrastructure.
I personally confirmed this with the Żandarmeria Wojskowa (Military Police) on site – they clearly stated that:
The mural is on military property,
Surveillance cameras are installed nearby,
Photographing or scanning it in any way (including AR Mapping) is not allowed under current national security regulations.
And another reject…
Thank you for your location report for 1791 Insurekcja Kościuszkowska on Jun 17, 2025.
Niantic has decided that your report will be rejected.
Context: Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has tightened laws concerning photography of military sites and critical infrastructure.
Important context update (past few days):
I would like to add that the entire mural is painted on the fence of an active military base – it’s not just a single piece of graffiti.