Android now stops you sharing your location in photos

4 hours ago

Google has broken the ability to access geolocation metadata from photos uploaded via web browsers on Android devices, affecting services like OpenBenches.
Multiple upload methods, including file pickers, progressive web apps, Bluetooth, QuickShare, and email, now strip or block EXIF geolocation data.
The only current way to preserve geolocation is to transfer photos via USB cable to a computer and upload via a desktop browser.
Google's motivation is privacy concerns, aiming to prevent unintended sharing of location data that could pose safety risks.
The change was implemented without community consultation or advance notice, leading to user frustration and blaming service providers.
Potential solutions are limited, possibly requiring developing native Android and iOS apps with specific geolocation permissions.
Social media platforms typically default to stripping geolocation data, allowing manual addition, but downloaded photos lack geotags.

Hasty Briefsbeta