GPS in cameras and phones creates privacy issue

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the privacy implications of GPS functionality in cameras and smartphones, particularly concerning the geotagging of images and the potential risks associated with sharing location data online. Participants explore various perspectives on the awareness and control users have over this feature, as well as the broader implications for personal privacy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the privacy risks associated with GPS data in images, suggesting that it can reveal a person's location and routine.
  • Others argue that users should take responsibility for their privacy by disabling GPS features and being aware of the information they share online.
  • A few participants highlight the lack of awareness among users regarding the existence and implications of EXIF data, suggesting that many may not know how to manage it.
  • Some contributions emphasize that users should read manuals and instructions to understand the features of their devices, implying that ignorance is not a valid excuse for privacy breaches.
  • There are differing views on whether the responsibility lies with the manufacturers to inform users adequately about privacy settings or with the users themselves to educate themselves.
  • Participants note that while some individuals may not be aware of GPS functionality, they still bear responsibility for the information they choose to share publicly.
  • One participant humorously mentions the potential for misuse of location data, while others reflect on the need for greater technological literacy among users.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views regarding the responsibility for privacy in the context of GPS-enabled devices. There is no consensus on whether the onus is on users to educate themselves or on manufacturers to provide clearer information about privacy risks.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that many users may not fully understand the implications of GPS data and EXIF information, which raises questions about the adequacy of user education and the clarity of product information provided by manufacturers.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned about digital privacy, technology users seeking to understand GPS functionalities, and those interested in the implications of sharing location data online.

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alt said:
This is scarey ..

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=7621105

Not so scary. It's just one of the tenths of factors which may help someone identify another persons location and typical schedule. You should strip de exif from any picture you post online .
 
DanP said:
Not so scary. It's just one of the tenths of factors which may help someone identify another persons location and typical schedule.

Well, I thought that very fact - the ability to identify another persons location and typical schedule, would be of concern .. scarey damn it - if the person was not aware of it.

You should strip de exif from any picture you post online .

(my underlined) I don't know what that means, but I assume you're saying there's a way to delete identifying info. Most people wouldn't know that though. Even the Mythbusters guy didn't know it.
 
We've discussed this before: if you don't like it, turn it off.
 
However you can put in anything you want into the EXIF of picture with this.
 
I always laugh when I see on Facebook and Google "XXXXXX is at YYYYYYY".

You are actively advertising to people where you are and more importantly, where you aren't - think your home and burglars.

I don't see such a problem with pictures and videos being marked as where you used to be. I suppose if it's your daily routine then I can understand the potential issues there.

We know what people are like - stalkers et al - so if you choose to advertise these details then you accept the risks associated with doing so. And that's the key for me, it's always your choice and every system I've encountered asks you before it shares said details. It's not a privacy concern if you volunteer the info.
 
Im reasonably sure no one on my friends list has been to jail for burglary.
 
russ_watters said:
Im reasonably sure no one on my friends list has been to jail for burglary.

It depends on your privacy settings.

It can be friends only, friends of friends, everyone etc.

In such cases, can you be sure your friends friends are safe?

A lot of people are set to friends of friends (remnants of the old system). I note a lot of the people I see sharing such info are ones that I know aren't particularly knowledgeable of those settings.

Besides, just because you've never been caught doesn't mean anything.
 
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  • #10
I never enabled GPS in my phone.
 
  • #11
Evo said:
I never enabled GPS in my phone.

Unless I need directions, neither do I.

It's a major battery drain for one.
 
  • #12
jtbell said:
A Google search on the word "exif" leads to this as the first hit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exchangeable_image_file_format

Thanks - Dan P preceded it with 'de' and I thought both words were some spelling error or something, never having heard of 'exif'.

Anyhow, yes, as others have said, you can turn it off. But on avergage, many people (like me) wouldn't have a clue about it in the first place, let alone know how to deal with it. That was the nature of my concern.

Edit to add, as I mentioned in my earlier post, even the Mythbusters guy didn't know about it, and you'd think HE'D be tech savvy.
 
  • #13
alt said:
Anyhow, yes, as others have said, you can turn it off. But on avergage, many people (like me) wouldn't have a clue about it in the first place, let alone know how to deal with it. That was the nature of my concern.

Still, I'm not aware of any devices that just do it without at least mentioning it before hand - heck it's bound to be on the box so it's not something I'd say people can claim ignorance to.

To not tell you about it and just do it would be a privacy issue. I'm sure if you read the instructions you'd note the details in there - again, ignorance from not reading the instructions isn't a valid defence.
 
  • #14
jarednjames said:
Still, I'm not aware of any devices that just do it without at least mentioning it before hand - heck it's bound to be on the box so it's not something I'd say people can claim ignorance to.

To not tell you about it and just do it would be a privacy issue. I'm sure if you read the instructions you'd note the details in there - again, ignorance from not reading the instructions isn't a valid defence.
They could have it turned on, not realizing that it would show up on pictures. Even I didn't know that, so I'm grateful to alt for the info.
 
  • #15
jarednjames said:
Still, I'm not aware of any devices that just do it without at least mentioning it before hand - heck it's bound to be on the box so it's not something I'd say people can claim ignorance to.

To not tell you about it and just do it would be a privacy issue. I'm sure if you read the instructions you'd note the details in there - again, ignorance from not reading the instructions isn't a valid defence.

Well, it would be very interesting to see if it IS on the box, and even if it is, if it is so presented in a reasonable manner, that the average Joe would become aware of it.

I've already asked my daughter who has a GPS phone, but she han't got the box or the pamphlet (and was very surprised at what I told her about it).
 
  • #16
Evo said:
They could have it turned on, not realizing that it would show up on pictures. Even I didn't know that, so I'm grateful to alt for the info.

I fully accept people may have it on without realising, but if you a) put it in the public domain then you accept the risk of anything that comes from that and b) not reading the instructions / box / warnings on screen in the first place means you haven't paid due care an attention to the device before using it in such a manner.

My phone has a GPS icon for a start.
alt said:
Well, it would be very interesting to see if it IS on the box, and even if it is, if it is so presented in a reasonable manner, that the average Joe would become aware of it.

I've already asked my daughter who has a GPS phone, but she han't got the box or the pamphlet (and was very surprised at what I told her about it).

The instructions for use will cover it if nothing else.

I appreciate it can be a privacy concern but it stems from the users ignorance to the device they are using.
 
  • #17
alt said:
Even the Mythbusters guy didn't know it.

Sure they didn't, because no one seems to read the owner's manual to anything ever. Who's fault is that ?

We make laws forcing the manufacturers to come up with nice manuals, and ironically the end user doesn't give a dime of all the effort made to enlight him over the capabilities of the devices they use. And it's not the device which creates privacy issues. Is the user themselves.

Saying that a GPS device causes privacy issues is like saying that copiers causes privacy issues if a genius decide to photocopy his ID and put it online.
 
  • #18
So the bottom line here to me is that people need to be more tech savy. Or better yet, PAY ATTENTION (general words to live by). Learn how to use your camera. When facebook changes their privacy management, read the message they sent you and look at the settings. When you see an unusual icon in the upper left corner of the hud on your camera, with your location printed underneath, learn why it is there.

Frankly it just seems to me like people over a certain age stop learning life skills. You can't do that if the environment keeps changing.

Heh - and if you think geotagging is scary, just wait till you hear about Google Latitude!
 
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  • #19
russ_watters said:
and if you think geotagging is scary, just wait till you hear about Google Latitude!

Oh, come on. I'm sure nobody would ever use that for nefarious reasons. :eek:
 
  • #20
I don't use Latitude, disabled it straight away.

My thinking is "If I wanted you to know where I was, I'd tell you!".
 
  • #21
Note to self delete all those nude pics of my self I put up on facebook... Jk but lol that would be funny if you got caught posting some type of criminal activity on the net and this is the way they caught you.
 
  • #22
Containment said:
Note to self delete all those nude pics of my self I put up on facebook... Jk but lol that would be funny if you got caught posting some type of criminal activity on the net and this is the way they caught you.

Well people got caught when they spotted crimes on street view.
 

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