Keep Your Location Private: How to Share Videos and Photos Safely Online

Why Location Data Matters

When you're excited to share your business wins and projects, it's easy to overlook the fact that photos and videos can reveal more than just your work - they could also give away the location where they were taken. 

This could be your home, a client's home, or other private spaces. 

Protecting this sensitive information is crucial to avoid privacy issues down the line.

Real-Life Examples to Think About

Here are a few scenarios where location data might unintentionally be shared:

• Car Valeting Business: You’ve just finished an amazing job, and you’re recording a “before and after” video at a client’s home. It seems harmless, but the video could reveal the client’s exact address if location data isn’t handled carefully.

• Personal Trainers: After a great workout session at a client’s home or in a local park, you take a photo to post online. Without knowing, the photo might share your client’s home address or other personal details.

• Small Business Owners: Whether you're recording marketing videos or snapping product photos at home, location data could be attached. It’s important to protect your privacy by removing this data before sharing.

Don’t Panic!

Don’t worry if this is all new to you or if you feel like you may have missed some of these steps. 

The good news is that many platforms already take precautions for you, and it's possible you’ve already done some of these things without even realizing it. 

Being mindful of privacy is important, and it’s always worth taking a moment to review what you can do to protect your business and customers.

What If I’ve Already Posted Something?

If you’ve already posted something that might compromise location or private information, don’t panic! Here’s what you can do to fix it:

1. Edit or Remove the Post: Many platforms allow you to edit posts or remove location tags. If necessary, delete the post entirely.

2. Repost with Adjustments: Remove the metadata or location info and repost the content safely.

3. Communicate if Necessary: If the content involves a client, let them know you've made the necessary adjustments to protect their privacy.

4. Update Your Settings: Check your app and device settings to prevent location data from being shared in the future.

Think About Consent

If you’re sharing photos or videos that include clients, their belongings, or frequented locations, always ask permission. 

Make it clear to them that you’re aware of privacy issues and will handle their information sensitively. 

This not only builds trust, but it’s also a great opportunity to ask for feedback or a testimonial about your service or products!

Secure Your Accounts

Strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) are critical. 

Imagine your Google account gets hacked - you could lose access to everything overnight. 

Even top influencers have been caught out by this. 

Once hackers gain access, they can take control of your customer lists and sensitive data, social media accounts and even your email!

Take this seriously:

• Set up 2FA: This extra layer of security makes hacking way more difficult.

• Keep records of your access codes: If you ever need to reset, having access to these will save you a lot of headaches.

• Regularly update your passwords: Stay ahead of potential breaches by changing your passwords frequently.

And be cautious if you receive unsolicited attachments in your inbox! 

Sometimes scammers will send what looks like a harmless spreadsheet or document (possibly as part of a fake sponsorship offer) that contains hidden malware. 

Always verify the source of any file before downloading, and avoid opening attachments from unknown senders.

Backup Your Data Safely

While you may not need to back up every photo or video, it’s essential to back up your contact data and business systems. 

Store this important information securely on a cloud service or external hard drive to keep your business running smoothly in case anything goes wrong.

Public Wi-Fi Caution

You should be aware that using public Wi-Fi can expose your data to anyone. 

If you need to upload sensitive content while out and about, use a secure hotspot (like the one on your mobile) or consider setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

A quick Google search for “how to set up a mobile hotspot” can help if you’re unsure. 

Stay tuned for a future article where I’ll explain this in more detail!

Stay Informed

Privacy policies are updated frequently, and as a business owner, it’s important to stay informed. 

We’re all guilty of quickly clicking “accept” without reading, but it’s worth reviewing new terms to ensure they don’t impact how you or your customers' data is handled.

Final Thoughts

Sharing your content online is exciting, and you want your content to reach far and wide. 

Taking these small steps to protect your privacy ensures that your business, your clients, and your personal information stay safe. 

Keep it fun, stay aware, and keep growing!

For More Tips and Resources

Stay connected! I’ll be launching my website soon, where you’ll find more helpful guides and resources.