Does EXIF data reveal your location?

The short answer

It can. If location tagging is turned on in your phone or camera, the photo file may include GPS coordinates, along with the time it was taken and the device used. Anyone who receives the original file may be able to read them.

Where the risk is

• Sending the original file, for example as an email attachment, a file in a messaging app, or a download link, may keep the metadata.
• Many social networks remove location data when you upload a picture, but this differs by service and can change. Do not assume.

How to check and protect yourself

• Turn off location for your camera app if you do not need it.
• Look at the file’s details on your computer or phone to see whether it lists a location.
• Share an exported copy rather than the original when in doubt.

What Shutterlune does

Shutterlune reads camera settings such as camera, lens, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focal length and date. It does not read GPS coordinates. It also draws a new image when you export, so the exported file does not carry over the original file’s metadata. Your photo is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to our servers.

To see how the settings end up on a picture, read how to add camera settings to a photo.