Recently, “shadow bans” have become a popular topic in the Pokemon Go community. It started as speculation because players that had been banned were unable to see certain uncommon Pokemon that other trainers could see in the exact same location. Previously banned players started to get suspicious, and they took to the internet, only to find that other banned players were experiencing the same problem. Justice was being served to the unhonourable Pokemon trainers. The good trainers have nothing to fear, but the cheaters hide and tremble in the darkness.

Although the evidence was overwhelming, nothing had been confirmed, until now. Niantic came out and confirmed that they have enhanced their security measures as part of the latest update in an attempt to punish cheaters and keep the game as fair as possible.

“People who violate the Pokemon Go Terms of Service (including by using third party software and other cheats) may have their gameplay affected and may not be able to see all the Pokémon around them.

“While we cannot discuss the systems implemented, we can confirm that we are constantly refining new ways to ensure the integrity of the game in order to keep it fun and fair for all Trainers.”

Let this be a lesson to would-be cheaters. You can’t run and you can’t hide. Niantic will find you.