While reviewing nominations, I’ve noticed some unusual visual characteristics in photos that may represent existing Wayspots (PokéStops/Gyms) or are present in the vicinity of new nominations. These characteristics suggest the possibility of the images being generated or heavily modified by Artificial Intelligence.
Since I don’t have the exact location of the Wayspot shown in the image (only what’s visible in the attached screenshot/my review screen), I’m raising this as a general concern. According to Wayfarer guidelines, all photos should be authentic and represent the real-world object.
My main question is: How should we approach photos of this nature, especially if they are already part of an existing Wayspot or appear in supporting photos for new nominations? What are the best practices for identifying these kinds of AI-generated characteristics, and how should we act upon them to maintain the integrity of the Wayspot database?
I’d appreciate it if other reviewers could share their opinions and insights on this matter.
I think this might actually be AI‑generated based on the attached close‑ups. The roof structure and background don’t look natural – the edges are warped and the way the poles connect looks inconsistent, almost like it was synthesized.
On the second close‑up, the slide and the blue climbing wall also show typical AI artifacts: the edges are unnaturally smooth in some places and warped in others, and the transition between the slide and the ground doesn’t look physically correct.
These are common issues when AI models render fine details and straight lines, which makes me suspect this isn’t a genuine photo.
If you look at the chains on the two swings, there is an unnatural offset between the way they run above and below the foreground beam.
There are alien-looking glyphs on the play set. Normally you might see ABCs or teddy bears or something common out of fairy tales. I’ve never seen a real playground that appears to have been signed by someone from Resident Alien.
I think the left-hand fort should have two triangle-trusses like the right-hand one has, but all I see is an artifact paralleling the front right strut for a short way.
Check out the trees to the left and beyond that weird volleyball net. They are either intricately espaliered fruit trees or they’re computer-generated. Nothing natural grew those parallel branches…
I tried one called ‘Illuminarty’, and it thought there was very little chance of AI being used to create the playground image.
I checked Illuminarty using that fake of a Carpenter Family plaque that was posted here a few days ago, and Illuminarty thought the same 1% about it. AI writing-detectors are quite hit-and-miss. Perhaps the photo ones are equally bad, or only detect the work of specific engines rather than spotting subtle stuff.
I often use Google Photos’s AI mosaic to erase clear pedestrians and license plates..
I wonder if I should still do this, or one day it will be reported as a fake nomination using AI😢
I saw one recently - and I should have taken a screenshot - where someone was claiming a location had a mural, but the mural looked different between the main and supporting photos. It seems to be difficult to get the AI to generate an identical image twice. If the wayspot isn’t in the supporting photo then that’s decent grounds for rejection.
And yes, I’d say that’s either AI or put through some very heavy filters. No sign of such a playground on Google Maps, Bing Maps or OSM.
Oh that’s interesting, it’s a StreetView photo passed through some sort of filter. To make it look less like it was stolen from StreetView? To fool Emily?
Since it is definitely a photo stolen from google streetview and is definitely located at the wrong place by a decent distance (a few hundred meters?), it’s easy to imagine they also adjusted the photo to try and get it past eMiLy.
What I find curious is that location has portals nearby in Ingress (which might or might not exist IRL) but the playground itself doesn’t have one.
@cozaluj2001 We have reviewed the report and have taken action on the Wayspots and Wayfinder in accordance with our policies. While we are unable to discuss our actions in detail to protect the submitter’s privacy, they may include, but are not limited to, sending a warning message, placing restrictions on their Wayfarer, Pokémon GO account, putting their account on probation, or placing a temporary or permanent suspension on their Wayfarer, Pokémon GO account.
Thanks for helping us maintain the quality of the Wayspots.
