How To Use Geotagging Safely

A Global Positioning System (GPS) turns your smartphone into a mobile map, weather center and business locator. The GPS also enables geotagging, a feature that reveals your location when you post status updates or share pictures on social media. While you may appreciate the benefits of geotagging, realize that it can be used in unsafe ways, too. Learn several ways to protect yourself as you utilize geotagging.

Benefits of Geotagging

Sharing your location can provide several personal and social benefits.
  • Access a full range of features on your smartphone, including bus routes, weather forecasts and navigation. Some related apps and phone features won’t work properly if you turn off geotagging.
  • Connect socially with friends and others, and invite them to join you during your adventures.
  • Share your travel, dining and other experiences with friends.
  • Promote your experiences with local businesses, historical sites and other destinations.
  • Add specific coordinates to your travel pictures so you can remember details about all your vacations.
Dangers of Geotagging

Sharing your location on social media can create potential dangers for you, your family and others. Before geotagging your posts, consider these dangers.

  • Anyone can see your current location, including strangers, unless you restrict access to friends only.
  • Tell criminals when you’re away from home, which could make your house and possessions an easy target for thieves or burglars.
  • Harm your reputation or a friend's reputation. For example, geotagging a friend in a bar could harm his reputation at work or with family members.
  • Put yourself and others in danger. A hacker can use geotagging information to find, stalk or harm you, your kids or friends.
  • Give criminals data they can use to reverse search your social media accounts and take over your accounts or steal your identity.
How to Protect Yourself When Geotagging

Because geotagging is a useful feature, you can take several steps as you use geotagging safely.

  • Turn off geotagging on your device. In most cases, you can find the location feature under Settings, but check your phone's owner’s manual for details.
  • Disable geotagging on specific social media sites.
  • Fine-tune geotagging and allow it to tag certain pictures or certain locations depending on who you are with or where you’re traveling.
  • Ask others not to geotag you.
  • Consider if the geotag could have negative consequences to someone’s reputation or privacy.
  • Purchase cyber insurance. It protects you if a criminal accesses your personal information, identity or phone.
Geotagging offers numerous benefits, but it’s also features potential dangers. Learn how to use it wisely as you keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
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