Archives - Geolocation


Carefully consider granting application permissions

Mobile apps often ask for numerous permissions, including access to your camera, contacts list and geolocation. Think hard before permitting them, since some applications only want these abilities for data harvesting purposes. For example, it’s not usually vital to give Facebook access to your location, or to let Instagram listen in on your microphone.

Customize your location settings in Snapchat

You can change Snapchat’s settings so that only the people you choose can view your location. To change your location settings, tap the gear button at the top of the Map screen. From there you can change who can see your location or hide your location from everyone by turning on Ghost Mode. You can […]

Don’t give away where you live while livestreaming

Livestreaming has exploded in popularity, with more people putting themselves in front of a camera to make content than ever before. Before you jump in yourself, keep in mind not to share your location or set up your camera in such a way that it would give away where you live. When starting out with […]

Don’t show your location on social apps

Many social media platforms allow you to check in and broadcast your location, or automatically add your location to photos and posts. Geolocation or geo-tagging features on social networks is not the safest feature to initiate. You could be telling a stalker exactly where to find you or telling a crook that you’re not home.

Consider substitutions to Google

Google is a unique resource, albeit one with some substantial drawbacks in terms of how comprehensively it catalogs your activities, from your search history to your geolocation. The privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo offers similar results with no tracking, reducing the risk of sensitive personal information falling into the wrong hands.

Hide yourself on the Snap Map

If you have a Snapchat account and you open the Snap Map, your location will be shared. That means your friends — or users who are not your friends, if your privacy settings allow it — can see exactly where you’re located on the map. If you don’t want to be on the Snap Map, […]