Privacy, Devices & Citizenship · lesson 1 of 17 · 15 min
What is location sharing?
Your device — phone, tablet, or computer — can track exactly where you are using something called GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS uses signals from satellites in space to figure out your precise location on Earth. This is how maps apps know where you are and how to give you directions.
Many apps ask for permission to use your location. Some have a very good reason — like a maps app that needs to know where you are to give directions. But many apps ask for your location even when they do not need it, and sharing your location with the wrong people or apps can be dangerous.
If a stranger knows exactly where you are — or where you live, go to school, or spend your time — they could use that information to find you in real life. That is why location privacy is one of the most important parts of staying safe online.
Safe location sharing rules: Only share your location with apps that truly need it (like maps or weather). Never share your real-time location with people you do not know in person. Always ask a trusted adult before turning on location sharing for any app.
Hidden location clues in photos
Here is something many people do not know: photos taken on phones and tablets often contain hidden information called metadata. Metadata is extra data stored inside a photo file — and it can include the exact GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken.
This means that when you share a photo online, you might accidentally share your home address, school location, or daily routine — without even realizing it. Someone who knows how to read photo metadata could look at a photo you posted and find out exactly where you were when you took it.
Ask a trusted adult to help you turn off location tagging (also called “geotagging”) in your camera settings. This stops your photos from storing GPS coordinates.
When location sharing is safe vs. risky
✅ Generally safe
- Maps and navigation apps (need location to work)
- Weather apps (need location for local forecast)
- Emergency services (need location to help you)
- Sharing your general city — not your exact address
❌ Risky — avoid
- Sharing real-time location with strangers online
- Games or entertainment apps asking for location
- Posting photos with location tags enabled
- Telling people online your exact address or school
Key words to remember
- GPS
- Location sharing
- Metadata
- Geotagging
- Real-time location
Match each location concept to its description
Location sharing — quiz
Why can sharing your location with strangers be dangerous?
- It uses too much battery
- Strangers could use it to find you in real life
- It makes your phone slower
- It deletes your photos
Answer: Strangers could use it to find you in real life
Your location tells people exactly where you are, which strangers could use to find you.
Which app has a good reason to use your location?
- A coloring book app
- A maps and directions app
- A word puzzle game
- A music player
Answer: A maps and directions app
Maps apps need your location to give you directions — that is a legitimate use.
Photos taken on a phone can contain hidden location information.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Photos often store metadata including GPS coordinates of where they were taken.
What is GPS?
- A type of password
- A system that uses satellite signals to track your location
- A type of Wi-Fi
- A camera setting
Answer: A system that uses satellite signals to track your location
GPS (Global Positioning System) uses satellites to determine your exact location on Earth.
What is metadata in a photo?
- The colors in the photo
- Hidden information stored in the photo file, including GPS location
- The size of the photo
- The filter applied to the photo
Answer: Hidden information stored in the photo file, including GPS location
Metadata is hidden data inside a photo file that can include the exact location where it was taken.
It is safe to share your real-time location with people you only know online.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Never share your real-time location with people you only know online — they could use it to find you.
How can you stop your photos from storing GPS location data?
- Delete all your photos
- Turn off geotagging in your camera settings
- Only take photos indoors
- Use a different phone
Answer: Turn off geotagging in your camera settings
Turning off geotagging in your camera settings stops photos from storing GPS coordinates.
What should you do before turning on location sharing for a new app?
- Always allow it
- Ask a trusted adult first
- Only allow it if the app is free
- Allow it for one day and then turn it off
Answer: Ask a trusted adult first
Always check with a trusted adult before granting location permission to any app.
Which of these is the most sensitive type of location data?
- Your general city
- Your country
- Your real-time, exact location
- Your time zone
Answer: Your real-time, exact location
Real-time location shows exactly where you are right now — the most sensitive location data to protect.
A game app asking for your location is always a red flag.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Games rarely have a legitimate reason to access your location. This is a warning sign.
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