Redacting sensitive information from images is a common practice for many, but it may not be as secure as it seems. Google Pixel Android users were recently alerted that pictures they had shared may not have been as discreet as they had hoped. It was discovered that parts of the images that had been redacted were still visible in the EXIF data.
EXIF data, also known as Exchangeable Image File Format, is a type of file format that stores information about the image, such as the date, time, camera settings, and other details. Unfortunately, the EXIF data in Google Pixel Android phones includes the redacted information. This means that the information that users wanted to keep private was still accessible.
Google has since addressed the issue, but it highlights the importance of taking extra steps to secure your images. If you are sharing an image where sensitive information is visible, it’s important to not only crop or blur out the information but also to check the EXIF data. This will ensure that the information remains secure. Another option is to use a third-party app to edit the EXIF data, but this can be time-consuming.
Privacy and security are important, especially when it comes to images. Taking extra steps to ensure that your images are secure is important, even if it takes additional time and effort.
Key Points:
• Redacting sensitive information from images is a common practice, but it may not be as secure as it seems.
• Google Pixel Android users were recently alerted that their redacted images may not have been as secure as they thought.
• The EXIF data includes the redacted information, making it accessible to others.
• Google has addressed the issue, but users should take extra steps to ensure their images are secure.
• Privacy and security are important when it comes to images, even if it takes more time and effort.