Are your pictures saying too much, do you really want everyone to know everywhere you go and when you were there? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, use these steps to take back control of your privacy. Photo Source: www.tripadvisor.com
With the prevalence of big data collection from corporations and governments around the globe, it is not far fetched that soon our whole life will be captured, cataloged, and categorized to be shown back to us at job interviews, in marketing pop-ups, or with uncomfortable questions from Johnny Law. “Sir, is that you in the selfie next to the broken beer bottle?”
Even with firewalls, passwords, and increased privacy offered in most apps you may be unintentionally sending more information than you want. Media that is shared through platforms like Smartphones have embedded Exchangeable Image Files (EXIF) that share metadata such as when and where the picture was taken. This Geo-tagging is a GPS location tracking system that is transferred with your image when you post on social media. With this Geo-tagging information anyone can determine where you have been, and the Geo-tag information stays with the picture forever if you don’t remove it. This is powerful information and it is impossible to know how it could be used against you and your family now or in the future.
Removing Geo-tagging means never having to explain when and where you took that selfie with privacy evangelist Edward Snowden. Photo Source: blog.dashburst.com
The Geo-tagging feature is normally enabled by default on your smart device. The feature is often needed to run other popular apps like navigation and search features. Geo-tagging is also helpful if you are the type that likes to create photo albums by location. But, if you don’t want other people to know all your business, you might want to think about deactivating this feature when you take photos you plan to share on social media.
How To Remove Geo-Tagging
Follow these easy steps to protect your selfie and remove Geo-tagging from your smart device. If you don’t see your device listed here contact the manufacturer of your device for instructions.
iPhones and iPads with iOS 4 and iOS 5
Step 1: Go to Settings app.
Step 2: Select General tab
Step3: Select Location Services
Step 4: Under Location Services, turn off Camera
Step 5: Exit the Settings app
iPhones and iPads with iOS 6 and higher
Step 1: Go to Settings app.
Step 2: Select Privacy tab
Step 3: Select Location Services
Step 4: Under Location Services, turn off Camera. You can also disable Geo-tagging of photos from any apps that has access to your camera here as well.
Step 5: Exit the Settings app
Androids (Samsung Galaxy)
To disable all location services:
Step 1: Press the Menu key, select Settings.
Step 2: Press Location and Security. By default, GPS is on.
Step 3: Uncheck it to turn it off. (Like the iPhone, this alters navigation apps and other legitimate uses.)
To disable location on the camera only:
Step 1: Start the camera application.
Step 2: Select the gear icon.
Step 3: Locate the Location settings and select to enable or disable.
Blackberry 10
Step 1: From the home screen, click the “Camera” icon
Step 2; Press the Menu button and choose “Options.”
Step 3; Set “Geotagging” to “Disabled” then save the updated settings.
Concerned about your existing photos? Third party applications like GeoZapper, EXifTool, EXIF-editor and Exifcleaner can be used to remove the metadata from your existing photos. Also, remember that if you use any type of camera app or social media that you have allowed access to your camera these programs will need to have the location tracking services disabled as well.
