Simple ways to remove location data before posting pictures online
Are You Sharing More Than You Think?
You post a sweet photo of your child’s first day at school. But did you know that picture might also tell strangers exactly where that school is?
Most smartphone photos include hidden metadata — like GPS coordinates, time, and camera info. This data, called EXIF metadata or image metadata, can reveal your home address, playgrounds your child visits, or when you're not home.
One MIT-style study showed only four location points can identify 95% of people uniquely by tracking mobility traces. (securechildrensnetwork.org)
Up to 40% of freshly taken photos contain GPS data—and even after sharing, many platforms preserve that data. (pixevety.com; Wikipedia; SpringerLink; onlyexif.com)
Share the photo — not the location. Let's fix that.
What's in Your Photo's Metadata?
Whenever you snap a picture, your phone adds data behind the scenes:
- GPS coordinates
- Date and time
- Camera type and settings
A UK mother posted her child’s school soccer photo. It had GPS info.
A stranger later showed up at the field. (pixevety.com; exifdata.org)
Another case: Mike, a weekend nature photographer, shared hiking photos online.
He didn't realise GPS data mapped his routine. A thief used that pattern and burglarized his home while he was away. (onlyexif.com)
These real stories highlight how easily metadata can compromise your child’s online safety.
Share that image online, and the metadata may go with it. That’s why removing GPS data, EXIF metadata, or any hidden data is key to photo privacy.
What that means for parents:
- A backyard photo can point to your home address
- Playground pics may show the exact spot
- Vacation shots? They tell others you're away
Yes, it's creepy. But it's also easy to stop.
How to Remove GPS Data Before Posting
You don't need tech skills — just the right tool.
Quick Guide: Clean Before You Post
- Pick a trusted tool
Use something like DropTidy, a free browser-based EXIF remover. No app needed. - Upload your image
It works right in your browser. No tracking, no storage. - Click to clean
One click strips out GPS data, camera details, and timestamps. - Download and share
You get a clean photo, safe to post.
✔️ Fast
✔️ Safe
✔️ No sign-up needed
DropTidy — a free, browser-based EXIF remover designed for parents who value peace of mind.
Why Removing Metadata Matters
Even some social platforms strip metadata — but many preserve it or overlook XMP sidecar files. (ExifData.org; Pixevety.com)
Metadata is like your photo’s digital fingerprint. Skip removing it—and you're giving away more than you intended.
Why DropTidy Beats Built‑In Tools
Phones may let you disable location. But built-in tools:
- Can’t remove all EXIF metadata
- May miss XMP sidecar files
- Some platforms keep metadata upon upload
DropTidy is different:
- Works in any browser
- Doesn’t upload your photos
- Removes all hidden data
- Handles multiple photos at once
- No logins. No fluff. Just clean photos — fast.
Common Questions
How do I know if my photo has GPS info? Check your phone's gallery details or right-click the photo and select "Properties."
Can I clean metadata without installing anything? Yes — DropTidy works right in your browser.
Is DropTidy like EXIFTool? Yes, but it's easier. No tech skills needed.
Take Control of Your Photo Privacy
Most people never check metadata. But once you do, you'll never skip it again.
Use DropTidy to:
- Clean GPS data from pictures
- Remove hidden image info
- Share photos without exposing private details
Don't give away your child's location. Clean your images first.
Try DropTidy – Free in Your Browser
Click below to protect your next photo: Open DropTidy – Free Photo Metadata Cleaner No downloads. No tracking. Just safer sharing.