Did you know that those picnics pictures your friends updated in Facebook and tagged you with your sparkling smile can be potentially harmful? Do you know images captured by latest GPS enabled mobile phones and cameras are roadmaps for those looking to follow you or break in your house?
Not many people realize that the latest geo-tagging technology, which makes tagging pictures on the virtual globe as per the location so fun, is a double-edged sword. While it helps you in tagging images on applications such as Google Earth; with improper privacy setting, it can leave important clues of your travelling habits and frequency, leaving you vulnerable to varied risks such as spying, break ins or even stalking.
How Geo Tags Work
The moment you press click, geo tag applications store the spatial location of the image. This means that every picture contains longitudinal as well as latitudinal data, making tracking easier for software such as Google Earth or even the Google search engine. Google uses these geo-tags to identify the region images belong to and thus display them when ever searched.
There is no denying that geo-tags are a boon for those looking for real location pictures, however it has the dark sides as well.
And you need to ensure that you don’t fall prey to them!
How To Avoid Falling Prey To Geo Tags Misuse
It’s simple. Turn off geo tag application in all your image capturing devices. However while you can have this control over your devices, asking someone else to do so might not look appropriate. So what to do then?
Well, you can try using nifty software such as the ‘Geotag Security’. Geotag Security is a powerful software programmed to delete geo-tag information from your computer’s hard disk. The moment you upload any image with geotags on it, the software automatically detects it and deletes the information; thus saving you from many possible accidents.
Remember your safety is your responsibility. If you go out too often and get clicked even more, it is advisable that you suggest your friends software such as ‘Geotag Security’. It won’t only save them a lot of discomfort but ensure that your pictures don’t leave a trail for those waiting in ambush. What’s even better is the software is free of cost and can be downloaded as easily as 1-2-3. So spread the link and be responsible towards your safety.
Geotag Security is a free program that secures your photos from disclosing your location information by removing geotags.
