Soon Pokemon GO will become much more kid and parent-friendly. Niantic has just announced a new login platform that will enable parents to ensure that their kids' information is secure while they're enjoying in-game events like the Chikorita Community Day.

Niantic is calling this new login platform "Niantic Kids," and is powering it with SuperAwesome's Kids Web Services. This service is certified by ESRB Privacy and the kidSAFE Seal program, which should help parents feel confident in the protection it purports to provide. By registering with and using this platform, parents will gain the ability to review their child's permissions for Pokemon GO and exercise control over the information shared in the game.

This new login platform will not be mandatory; young trainers can still login through Pokemon Trainer Club if they and their parents so desire. Niantic stated that their information will still be protected, so it's just a matter of preference. It's currently unknown if Niantic Kids offers features beyond parental controls.

The addition of parental controls can only be a good thing for a mobile game like Pokemon GO. The game already allows parents to restrict or enable its in-app purchases, but making it easier for them to do so will surely be appreciated. This new login platform appears to be focused on privacy more than anything else though, something that isn't already controlled in-app. There's likely little reason to fear an information leak happening during a Regirock encounter, but one can never be too careful.

The announcement is vague regarding exactly what information parents can control, but one would think that location information would be at the top of the list. There are likely many out there uncomfortable with the idea of an app that tracks where their child is and when. Pokemon GO requires this information to function, but it would certainly set many a mind at ease if they could be certain that that info couldn't leave the game.

Pokemon Go may not be the craze it was when it first launched back in 2016, there are still many players of all ages who enjoy it. There many be plenty who don't really care if the app keeps track of their information while they're visiting a gym or enjoying one of Pokemon Go's community days, but there are likely just as many who aren't so comfortable with it, and parents of young players would probably be at the top of that list. With this, parents can have a bit more piece of mind, and that's definitely going to be beneficial for the game going forward.

Pokemon GO is currently available on Android and iOS devices.

Source: Pokemon GO Live