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Why should you care?
File metadata is information that is stored in a file, separate from the actual content of the file. This information can include things like the file's creation date, the author, and other details. One type of metadata that is commonly found in image files is called EXIF (Exchangeable Image File) data.
EXIF data is a set of metadata tags that are embedded in an image file by the camera or device that took the photo. This data can include information such as the date and time the photo was taken, the camera's make and model, the camera's settings (such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO), and even the GPS coordinates of the location where the photo was taken.
When you take a photo with your phone, this EXIF data is automatically embedded into the image file. This is useful for organizing and searching for your photos, but it also means that this information is included when you share the photo with others. If you send a photo via email or upload it to a website, the EXIF data will be included with the image file, and anyone who views or downloads the photo will also be able to see this information.
It's important to be aware of this, as some of the information stored in the EXIF data, like location, can be sensitive, and you may not want to share it with others. Some apps and services allow you to remove or edit the metadata on a file before sharing it, and you can also use software on your computer to strip out the metadata from a file before sending it.
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