Does Xenforo automatically remove GEO tags from images?

[KC Riley]

Some forums require extra precautions be taken when protecting the privacy of their members. EXIF data with Geo tags can give away someone's home address in the image metadata.

Does Xenforo automatically remove any EXIF geo tags for uploaded images in the gallery and forum app; do you need to have someone write you an add-on to remove the EXIF data automatically from uploaded images?

 

[HWS]

The XFMG allows you to specify which EXIF data should remain after upload. So in fact, GEO data will be removed.

XF itself however does not handle EXIF data for attached images and GEO info will remain in most cases, but there is an add-on for that:
https://xenforo.com/community/resources/wmtech-exif-location-data-remover.4428/

 

[Chris D]

That setting just controls what is displayed, and how. Any additional EXIF data is maintained unless the image is resized.

 

[Digital Doctor]

People worry about COPPA which is very low risk for 99.99% of sites. I'd be very worried about geolocation tags in images. A recipe for disaster.

 

[KC Riley]

Thanks guys. The internet is a scary place. People often forget how dangerous Geo Tags can be, especially on forums where minors are participating.

 

[Digital Doctor]

One of the strengths of forums is the anonymous nature of them. Not everyone wants to talk about political stuff on their Facebook.

But when uploading an image results in people knowing your home address ... when you didn't intend it... forums have turned a strength into a weakness.