LadyJane's Guide to removing GPS/EXIF data from your pictures on OS X

In an effort to keep data that could reveal our location to "bad guys", I've been scrubbing the EXIF data from any pictures I post online.

I don't claim to be a security expert but, I will attempt to help others who are interested in understanding exactly what EXIF data is, how it could be used against you and most importantly, how to remove it. Please go easy on me as this is my 1st attempt at a walkthough for others. If this one is received well, I will do other guides.

WHAT IS EXIF DATA?

From Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exchangeable_image_file_format

Exchangeable image file format (Exif) is a standard that specifies the formats for images, sound, and ancillary tags used by digital cameras (including smartphones), scanners and other systems handling image and sound files recorded by digital cameras.

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But more importantly, stuffed inside of the EXIF spec is a portion that allows to add GPS coordinates to your photo

The Exif format has standard tags for location information. As of 2012 a few cameras and a growing number of mobile phones have a built-in GPS receiver that stores the location information in the Exif header when a picture is taken.

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Basically, your new smart phone is spying on you. I'm sure you're aware of it but, we're talking pin pointing where a photograph was taken down to 3 or 4 meters. Not good for us growers.

IF EXIF DATA IS SUCH A BAD THING WHY IS IT THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE?

It's not always bad. If you're taking pictures of your dog, its great for keeping track of where photos were taken. But, for obvious reasons, when you post pictures of your illegal grow garden, GPS data can be bad bad. I'm sure you can imagine why its bad.

HOW CAN I REMOVE EXIF DATA FROM MY PICTURES?

Very easy. But first, you'll need to download some free software. http://imageoptim.com It's free, and it's very easy to use.

Put your pictures in a folder on on the desktop, it doesnt matter.

Open ImageOptim

Drag your picture(s) to ImageOptim



Wait for ImageOptim To Process your pictures, it might take a minute if you have lots of files



Verify at EXIF (mainly GPS) data has been removed from the file. To do this open the file in "Preview", select 'Inspector" and view the EXIF data. It should be blank (Before & After pic below)



CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'RE DONE. YOU CAN NOW UPLOAD THE PHOTOS KNOWING NO GPS DATA IS ATTACHED.

/LJ

Wow thank you good stuff

Awesome info thanks...

Do you know, if using an older phone, removing GPS info with Picasa is secure?

Cheers
- SB -

damn i wish I knew this before I uploaded

I believe you can just right click the photo, go to properties, details, and at the bottom it says "remove properties and personal info"

Thanks everyone. I just want to be sure we stay safe!

SiliconeBud said:

Awesome info thanks...

Do you know, if using an older phone, removing GPS info with Picasa is secure?

Cheers
- SB -

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It can remove the data. Here are the instructions to remove EXIF using Picassa https://support.google.com/picasa/answer/43899?hl=en

Remove a geotag
To remove a geotag in Picasa, please take the following steps:

1. Select the geotagged photos.
2. Click the Places button in the lower right corner of Picasa.
3. Click the red geotag icon on the map.
4. Click 'Erase location info.'

This action removes the longitude and latitude information from the photo's EXIF GPS metadata. The photo is also removed from the map in Picasa.

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KushMasterFlash said:

damn i wish I knew this before I uploaded

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no worries....they have to get the phone you used to confirm it not just the photo...if your safe this is overkill imo...plus they cant prove where you took the pic if gps is turned off i believe?!!

kermit2692 said:

no worries....they have to get the phone you used to confirm it not just the photo...if your safe this is overkill imo...plus they cant prove where you took the pic if gps is turned off i believe?!!

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You're right. Sometimes its off by default. But, for those who want to be extra super safe, its easy to do. Plus, i get worried about someone finding out garden as it is, let alone give them GPS coordinates.

lol ya thats true...nothing like giving someone a treasure map

bigbull52 said:

I believe you can just right click the photo, go to properties, details, and at the bottom it says "remove properties and personal info"

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Yes, this is the proper way of doing it in Windows 7... have not tried XP or Vista

I was wondering about the gps coordinates in the cell phone pic but after I thought about it I said fuck it... Great info and thanks for posting it