Personally Identifying Information in Images

morgentaler

morgentaler

Well-Known Member
The JPEG image format allows for the storage of EXIF data, which contains various information about the image.

Items like exposure time, flash used, model of camera, and serial number.

Using just a simple Firefox add-on, I was able to obtain the camera serial number from a picture of another users grow. It took a few seconds. It would have been faster but my internet connection sucks.

Strip your EXIF data from your images using an image viewer like IrfanView.

Remember when the kid who scanned the Harry Potter book got busted? They forgot to strip the serial number out of the EXIF data, and the camera manufacturer provided the registration information to the authorities.

Also, take into account whether your camera has GPS capabilities. This is a rare feature in cameras, but even some older models have it. Sometimes you can get what was once a high-end 5000 dollar camera dirt cheap because it doesn't have the resolution today's photographers need. Check to see if your model is GPS capable before posting images.

Imagine taking pics of your grow and posting the pics online only to have the exact location broadcast in the EXIF data.

Be safe.
 
H

HighestFiend

Member
Also keep in mind that any smartphone with GPS capabilities will show your relative latitude and longitude. Most of the time the EXIF info will narrow down your location to within a few hundred yards. To be on the safe side, don't post pictures from a camera phone unless you are completely certain that your GPS is disabled. Thanks to the original poster for bringing up this very important info.
 
morgentaler

morgentaler

Well-Known Member
WhiteWiddow said:
my images use that format. if my camera isnt registered am i at risk?
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It depends. If you bought your camera with cash, provided no personal info to the seller, and didn't register it you should be fine.

I also wouldn't be terribly concerned about one or two plants when it comes to the authorities. It's a lot of paperwork for something that's not worth it.

For a large grow on the other hand...

Also, if your camera is providing GPS data that's a big invite for thieves. And what may not be a big enough grow for the DEA to bother with might be fine pickings for opportunistic thieves.
 
doitinthewoods

doitinthewoods

Well-Known Member
Interestng. I have several digital cameras, but I rarely take pics of my plants. If I do, it's right before I harvest, and after harvest. That's great to know though. Thanks.
 
sanyard

sanyard

Well-Known Member
After reviewing this information I checked some pictures I took with my iphone. Through EXIF information I was able to see the exact location I took my pictures WITHIN A FEW FEET.

THAT IS VERY FUCKING DANGEROUS

Thank you for posting this.
 
zerowned

zerowned

Active Member
sanyard said:
After reviewing this information I checked some pictures I took with my iphone. Through EXIF information I was able to see the exact location I took my pictures WITHIN A FEW FEET.

THAT IS VERY FUCKING DANGEROUS

Thank you for posting this.
Click to expand...


great information, I just got the firefox app and yep it shows gps locations from cellphone camera pictures, not on mine though... it has gps information but its all 0's but it has all the other information that is not good to show off lol
 
sanyard

sanyard

Well-Known Member
This would be a great addition to the security section, only if it were accessible to the regular members like myself.
 
M

medcaniman

Guest
Yes that is very important if your not growing legally I suppose. But I am completely with out fear of this and if I were to be bothered I'd sue the pants of someone for trying to compromise my legitimate indoor grow, but to all you other brave souls be brave and watch carefully what you post
 
highaltitude

highaltitude

Active Member
Big Brother is Watching! Informative thread - and scary. Whenever a serious crime has been committed, the authorities often seem able to dig up all sorts of information that has taken place over the internet. Things posted, mails sent and received etc. The camera is only one out of a slew of electronic trails left behind, and the severity of the crime, will determine how deep they will dig to find answers.
Luckily growing a few plants for medical purposes will not trigger their interest, but keep in mind that on a regular day your every move - for most people - is thoroughly recorded. From the cameras in every intersection in every town, to ATM/credit card purchases, cell-phone activity, internet activity, cars with GPS and so on.
No to mention that they can pretty much see who's parked in your yard, from space - if need be.
Posting - like we do - of course makes it all too easy to figure who's up to what, and hopefully the numbers keep them overwhelmed to a state of paralysis.
When everyone is breaking the law, the law has lost it's function. I believe this will slowly push toward the only sensible solution. Legalization.
 
sanyard

sanyard

Well-Known Member
highaltitude said:
Big Brother is Watching! Informative thread - and scary. Whenever a serious crime has been committed, the authorities often seem able to dig up all sorts of information that has taken place over the internet. Things posted, mails sent and received etc. The camera is only one out of a slew of electronic trails left behind, and the severity of the crime, will determine how deep they will dig to find answers.
Luckily growing a few plants for medical purposes will not trigger their interest, but keep in mind that on a regular day your every move - for most people - is thoroughly recorded. From the cameras in every intersection in every town, to ATM/credit card purchases, cell-phone activity, internet activity, cars with GPS and so on.
No to mention that they can pretty much see who's parked in your yard, from space - if need be.
Posting - like we do - of course makes it all too easy to figure who's up to what, and hopefully the numbers keep them overwhelmed to a state of paralysis.
When everyone is breaking the law, the law has lost it's function. I believe this will slowly push toward the only sensible solution. Legalization.
Click to expand...
I enjoyed reading your post. +rep
 
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