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where in TOS are multiple accounts banned?

With all this discussion I browsed through TOS and perhaps I missed it in the legalese - so can anyone point it out?
I did follow the link someone posted to the "Trainer Guides" here:

"Methods of cheating, unfortunately, are limited only by cheaters’ imaginations, but include at a minimum the following: [...] playing with multiple accounts (one account per player, please) [...]"
https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/221993967-P…

but that is NOT the TOS which is this:
https://www.nianticlabs.com/terms/pokemongo/en

Before jumping on me for splitting hairs, I generally agree that using a 2nd account is "unsportsman-like conduct" (in some ways against the spirit of the game, though I can see arguments both pro and con).

As to why Niantic might not ban the practice, it is another way of keeping gyms from getting too stagnant - if someone is no longing competing against other teams, at least they are "quasi-competing" against their team-mates so as NOT to have the weakest defender - it provides motivation to level up and/or collect stronger Pokemon.

Asked by toytracker8 years 2 months ago

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https://tldrlegal.com/license/pokemon-go-terms-of-service-

"Conduct, General Prohibitions, and Niantic’s Enforcement Rights

You agree that you are responsible for your own conduct and User Content while using the Services, and for any consequences thereof. Please refer to our Trainer Guidelines (https://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/support/guidelines/en) for information about the kinds of conduct and User Content that are prohibited while using the Services. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree that when using the Services and Content, you will not:
[...]"

That link redirects to https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/221993967

"No cheating.

Don’t do it. Play fair. Pokémon GO is meant to be played on a mobile device and get you outside to explore your world! Methods of cheating, unfortunately, are limited only by cheaters’ imaginations, but include at a minimum the following: using modified or unofficial software; playing with multiple accounts (one account per player, please); sharing accounts; using tools or techniques to alter or falsify your location; or selling/trading accounts."

Thanks! Incorporated by reference....

It is interesting that they say "meant to get you outside to explore your world" .... aren't 2-account players doing that? Perhaps to an even greater degree than 1-account players.... Obviously bots/spoofers aside.

Okay, the reference makes the violation of ToS clear.

Niantic still can't ban anyone since they can't prove that it is someone using multiple account. It could very well be two persons sharing a phone/pad (which doesn't go against ToS).

Since they can't fight it, they have to accept it: you should be able to keep prestiging a lvl 10 gym and kick the lowest player out.
- you'd no longer have a disadvantage if you refuse to cheat.
- it also mean you could get back in the gym if you get kicked out. Right now, if a cheaters kicks you out, you can't do anything to get your place back.
- level 10 gyms would no longer be completely stagnant, since you could keep training them.

that last one happened to me: only lvl 10 gyms of my own team in town. Could no longer play the game.

There are pros and cons of allowing prestiging of friendly gyms - one of many arguments against is that they'll simply get more stagnant as they eventually fill up with 3000k Snorlaxs. Also arguably it's supposed to be a team game and I don't know whether allowing players to force out other members of their team for personal gain is the way the game should go.

I've not seen an area where all the gyms are level 10 and there is no competion whatsoever from other teams within a few miles - I don't know how common this situation is.

Regardless of any difficulties in getting into gyms there's no excuse for breaking the rules and running two accounts.

Please see my response to the post "Further discussion on multiple accounts issue" that posted about an hour and a half before your post. It might amuse you.

Yes, very much so!! I like your conclusions as well but not sure if I can say that since I have no Dragonite with which to pay your fee... my one and only (after walking my A** off) has been trapped in a gym and can't get out (for the past month, gotta love suburbia!). I also gather you've been reading children's books ("to the Moon, and back") - good luck with your walking, I'm working on pushing up a Lapras now (would go faster if it were a bit warmer tho'),

Rich

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