You snap a cute photo of your dog in your backyard and post it to social media. You might have just broadcast your exact home address to the world.
The Data Behind the Image
Every digital photo file (.JPG, .HEIC, .PNG) contains a hidden layer of data called EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format). This was designed for professional photographers to record settings like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.
However, modern smartphones add something else: Geolocation.
- Exact Latitude & Longitude (accurate to 5 meters)
- Altitude
- Compass direction (which way you were facing)
- Date and precise second of capture
- Phone model and unique serial numbers
The Risk
Major platforms like Facebook and Instagram usually strip this data when you upload. But lesser security platforms, email attachments, iMessage, and blogs do NOT. If you email a photo to a stranger, they can inspect the file properties and see exactly where it was taken on a map.
🛡️ The Solution: Photo Privacy Shield
Stop Stalker's Privacy Shield feature lets you strip this data before you share. It creates a "clean" copy of the image that keeps the visual quality but destroys the metadata. Always "scrub" your photos before sending them to people you don't trust.