Simple Tips To Protect Yourself From ‘Geo-Stalking’

CBS) ^ | March 1, 2011 1:29 PM

[BenLurkin]

Through a combination of Web technologies and cheaper, more ubiquitous devices, we are now witnessing what could be the golden era of geo-stalking.

Certainly, having a GPS inside your phone is convenient. But, because of GPS data embedded in pictures taken with cell phones, those pictures may also share information with strangers that allows them to track you all the way to your front door.

For more information on how to protect your information and turn off your GPS photo function....

[BenLurkin]

How to disable iPhone Photo GPS geotag data

Tap on Settings

Tap on General

Tap on “Location Services”

Select the On/Off switch next to “Camera” so that the switch is set to OFF

Exit settings

Your iPhone will now no longer include GPS and location data when taking photos, and your privacy concerns should be alleviated.

If you want to, you can see the iPhone photo GPS data pretty easily with Preview app or any other EXIF viewer.

Source: http://osxdaily.com/2010/07/09/disable-iphone-gps-geographic-tagging-data-in-iphone-photos/

[allmost]

Tin foil house. Lead plated dog. Aluminum on the kittens. Iz sekure. :)

[proxy_user]

Or you can just use a photo editor, such as Irfanview, to remove all EXIF data from your photos before posting them.

[Amberdawn]

Do only iphones have this feature? My phone has no “general” setting, but can take pictures.

[allmost]

It’s there. Identifiers are ubiquitous.

[fso301]

Pretty much anyone posting under their real name on sites such as Facebook can be tracked down. There are other things called phonebooks and public records there to assist the stalker.

Basically, if you post under your real name, don't post anything provocative or controversial.

[dervish]

Thanks. That was useful.

[opentalk]

Thanks good information, applies to Android also.

[Amberdawn]

O.K. Thanks!

[allmost]

Extra fumbs up of course.

[MediaMole]

It’s generally wise to strip all the EXIF data from any photo posted on the web.

The way I have my workflow set up, I put all my professional info into every photo as it’s ingested into the computer. That’s great for the photos I’m using for work, but I am very careful about the photos I post for political and personal purposes.

[iowamark]

I miss my old Instamatic.