frm
Well-known member
When images are optimized in 2.3 to webp, the EXIF data is thrown into the void. It could also be stripped depending on which image processor is used on a forum too (pre-2.3, or choosing a different processor that discards EXIF).
I would propose an option for admins to enable or disable retaining the EXIF data, but make it either permission-based viewable in the lightbox or viewable in
While there are security concerns about displaying GPS info, etc., to the general public, retaining GPS info, or other identifying information such as the device the photo was taken with, could come in handy.
While most forums will never encounter either of these use cases, it could still be up to them to be "that forum" that can help aid an investigation or to simply reply that they have all the information on record that the forum has (EXIF is deleted and the photo is all that remains).
The use case for retaining the EXIF data is for, God forbid, there ever be an Emergency Disclosure Request by any number of intelligence or law enforcement agencies (US, unsure about UK and how they do things on that side of the pond) to fingerprint the photo seen. As to why they would want to see this, might be obvious to some, but if not, a photo (or video) could depict a crime that took place. Without the EXIF data, there's really no way to link the photo to anybody, let alone a device that someone could have owned, and had the means/opportunity to take a photo with that device, if the GPS is off.
The second use case would be photos taken of individuals on private property. While you have no expectation of privacy on public property, you do on your own or someone else's that didn't grant permission for photography. A request could be made to get the EXIF data (through the proper channels) to be able to prove that someone's rights weren't violated, and to determine the suspect, in this instance.
I would propose an option for admins to enable or disable retaining the EXIF data, but make it either permission-based viewable in the lightbox or viewable in
admin.php?attachments/.While there are security concerns about displaying GPS info, etc., to the general public, retaining GPS info, or other identifying information such as the device the photo was taken with, could come in handy.
While most forums will never encounter either of these use cases, it could still be up to them to be "that forum" that can help aid an investigation or to simply reply that they have all the information on record that the forum has (EXIF is deleted and the photo is all that remains).
The use case for retaining the EXIF data is for, God forbid, there ever be an Emergency Disclosure Request by any number of intelligence or law enforcement agencies (US, unsure about UK and how they do things on that side of the pond) to fingerprint the photo seen. As to why they would want to see this, might be obvious to some, but if not, a photo (or video) could depict a crime that took place. Without the EXIF data, there's really no way to link the photo to anybody, let alone a device that someone could have owned, and had the means/opportunity to take a photo with that device, if the GPS is off.
The second use case would be photos taken of individuals on private property. While you have no expectation of privacy on public property, you do on your own or someone else's that didn't grant permission for photography. A request could be made to get the EXIF data (through the proper channels) to be able to prove that someone's rights weren't violated, and to determine the suspect, in this instance.
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