Pokémon Mandates Facial Scans at Five Japan TCG Stores to Combat Scalping, Prompting Privacy Questions

Japan's official Pokemon Card Store locations will begin using a facial recognition system to enforce store entry and purchase limits. (Credit: Photo from The Pokémon Company)

The Pokémon Company is bringing mandatory facial recognition to five official Pokémon Card Store locations in Japan, saying the system will help prevent scalpers from abusing entry queues and purchase limits.

The new rule will apply from 31 July through 16 August at five pop-up Pokémon Card Stores in Japan: AEON Mall Natori, Chofu PARCO, AEON Mall Higashiura, AEON Mall Hiroshima Fuchu and AEON Mall Chikushino. The stores are smaller, trading-card-focused outlets separate from full Pokémon Center locations.