Location settings
What are location settings
Your location refers to where you are and devices often track this in the background even when you don’t have internet or reception using GPS. These location-based services are found on most smart devices including phones and use technology to pinpoint the location of your device, and therefore you!
Your location can be used in lots of different ways
Your location can be used in lots of different ways
Using maps to get directions
Online searches for thingsnearby such as shops
Risks of sharing your location
Some apps will allow you to share your location with friends and family but this could also mean you’re sharing this information with people you don’t know.
Checking in at home tells people when you are home but also where your home is, which can be dangerous. This is the same for checking in at a friend’s house or at school.
Some apps will also reveal your live location (where you are at that moment) and if you often check in at the same places it could allow someone to know your usual movements
It’s important to also remember the positive side of the internet and this includes the positive ways in which location settings can work.
Your location can help you find something nearby or check the weather before you head out just be sure you are very clear on why and how your location will be used, how long for and who can see it.
How can you manage what you share?
Some apps, like map apps, will need to know where you are to work properly, but others (social media and most games) do not need this information. You can manage how your location is used and shared in your privacy or general settings on your device and on some apps.
Device settings
You can disable location settings completely or switch location settings on or off for individual apps – usually found under general settings on mobile devices
App settings
You can manage privacy settings on social media sites such as Facebook and on gaming accounts to check how your location might be shared
Social media and other accounts are often linked which can mean your location is available on a public account – make sure all your social media accounts are only visible to trusted friends!
How can you protect yourself?
The best thing to do would be to ask them politely to remove the post or the location information or you can remove your tag so you’re not linked to the post.
You can also use your own privacy settings to manage how visible you are in other peoples posts and require them to be approved by you before they are public.
Use privacy and account settings on devices, apps and games to manage your location sharing.
If you want to tag a photo or event in a particular location do it later so you’re not sharing a live location.
Avoid checking in regularly from the same locations or marking tagged locations as things like ‘work’ and ‘home’ as this can give people a picture of your movements and lead to safety concerns.
Watch out for friends who may accidentally post your location information or use privacy settings to limit or prevent tagging entirely.
Make sure all linked accounts are only visible to friends you know in real life.