So yeah. I did a bit of digging - this seems to be another of Google's "free labour" apps - they're using the data from this to rapidly improve the walking paths and landmark positions of Google Maps.
I'm OK with this.
Also, rumour has it that the IOS version of the game will introduce two new factions (yellow and red), which will also be in opposition of the current Resistance and Enlightened. Possibility of an NPC faction (black) that will help level the playing field in areas with an overly dominant faction, just to keep people interested. (I don't have solid sources for anyone, it's all based on hints dropped by the developers, very sparse and very subtle.)
I'm very much OK with this.