Privacy & Data
All Ages
Metadata: The Ghost in your Photos
How every photo you take contains a hidden map to your exact location.
THE FACT
Every digital photo contains EXIF data. This is hidden text that stores the date, time, camera settings, and—most dangerously—the exact GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken.
STRIPPING THE DATA
1. The Screenshot Hack: Instead of sending an original photo, take a screenshot of it and send the screenshot. Most phones strip GPS data from screenshots automatically.
2. Camera Settings: Go to your phone's Camera app settings and turn off 'Location Tags' or 'Save Location.'
3. Social Media Stripping: While apps like Instagram strip metadata, sending a photo as a 'Document' on WhatsApp or via Email does not. This allows a recipient to see exactly where you live.
ACTION STEP
Check your 'Home' photos. If you have ever sent a photo of a pet or a hobby taken inside your house to a stranger, you may have unknowingly shared your home address.
Every digital photo contains EXIF data. This is hidden text that stores the date, time, camera settings, and—most dangerously—the exact GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken.
STRIPPING THE DATA
1. The Screenshot Hack: Instead of sending an original photo, take a screenshot of it and send the screenshot. Most phones strip GPS data from screenshots automatically.
2. Camera Settings: Go to your phone's Camera app settings and turn off 'Location Tags' or 'Save Location.'
3. Social Media Stripping: While apps like Instagram strip metadata, sending a photo as a 'Document' on WhatsApp or via Email does not. This allows a recipient to see exactly where you live.
ACTION STEP
Check your 'Home' photos. If you have ever sent a photo of a pet or a hobby taken inside your house to a stranger, you may have unknowingly shared your home address.