Here is a link that will give information to a couple of free programs that will strip Meta/EXIF data from existing photographs. And gives a brief tutorial on how to get it done.
Link is-
http://ask.metafilter.com/126587/How...a-from-a-photo
The story goes something like, after a bunch of robberies in SF and NYC could not be solved, it was determined by several digital forensic scientists and the FBI that the Meta/EXIF data was being read off the photos uploaded to social networking sites; FB, MS, etc.
Several years go by and eventually it was determined that the Russian mob had figured out a way to read the EXIF/Meta data on social networking sites; FB, MS, etc on photos that were posted.
For example, look at the cute photo of little Johnnies birthday party and notice the 50" flat screen in the background. And notice that Johnnies mom commented how busy she was getting little Johnny to soccer practice on Wednesdays at 4pm.
Guess what?? During soccer practice on Wednesday, the house was cleaned out.
All the major social networking sites were told of this but refused to acknowledge that it was their fault. Within the last 18 months or so, all the social networking sites enacted, as part of their photo upload program, a script that automatically strips the Meta/EXIF data. But do not rely on their promises. And they barely acknowledged this in public.
As to smartphones, each unit is different, but basically "geotagging" is tied to the GPS app on the phone that is primarily used for Maps and GPS. On the phone, turn off the GPS function and only turn it on when you need it for maps and directions, then turn it off again. Turning off the GPS will also increase the battery life.
Hope this is helpful to anyone that is curious.
Stuck here in the GREAT WHITE Midwest in the middle of this "Snow-nami"!
Best to all,
jframe2
My Bio Page - Texas - Dallas
