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OpenAI’s latest models, including the o3 and GPT-4o, can now determine the location of photos using contextual clues—a breakthrough in visual perception. Early testers are using ChatGPT for “geoguessing,” achieving surprisingly precise results. While AI-powered photo location tools existed before, OpenAI’s implementation brings this capability to mainstream users.
The company suggests applications in accessibility, research, and emergency response but emphasizes safeguards to prevent misuse, such as refusing requests for private or sensitive data.
Source: PCMag UK
You Should Know:
1. How AI Geoguessing Works
AI models analyze metadata (EXIF data), landmarks, language on signs, vegetation, and architectural styles. Test it yourself:
exiftool image.jpg | grep "GPS"
(Install `exiftool` via `sudo apt install libimage-exiftool-perl` on Linux.)
2. Disabling Photo Geolocation
Prevent smartphones from embedding GPS data:
- Android: Camera Settings → Disable “Save location.”
- iOS: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Camera → “Never.”
3. Scrubbing Metadata
Use `mat2` (Linux) to clean metadata:
sudo apt install mat2 mat2 --inplace photo.jpg
4. Reverse Image Search Alternatives
- Google Lens: Browser-based.
- TinEye: CLI alternative with
curl:curl -F "[email protected]" https://www.tineye.com/search
5. Detect AI-Generated Location Tags
Tools like `exiv2` can flag manipulated metadata:
exiv2 print image.jpg | grep "Modified"
What Undercode Say:
While OpenAI’s geoguessing is impressive, it raises privacy concerns. Always strip metadata before sharing images. For cybersecurity professionals, understanding these AI capabilities is critical for digital forensics and threat intelligence.
Linux Commands for Privacy:
Bulk remove metadata from multiple images
find ~/Pictures -type f -name ".jpg" -exec mat2 --inplace {} \;
Verify no GPS data remains
exiftool -GPS -r ~/Pictures
Windows Equivalent (PowerShell):
Remove metadata via PowerShell
Get-ChildItem "C:\Photos" -Recurse | ForEach-Object {
& "exiftool" "-GPS=" $_.FullName
}
Expected Output:
1 files updated GPS Latitude : (cleared) GPS Longitude: (cleared)
Stay vigilant—AI’s growing perceptual skills demand stronger privacy practices.
Expected Output:
A detailed guide on AI geolocation risks, metadata removal, and defensive commands.
References:
Reported By: Michael Tchuindjang – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
