Metadata needs context
Metadata can reveal location, dates, device details, software and authorship. It can also be edited or forged, so it is evidence to review rather than proof of accuracy or authenticity.
Private by design
Selected files, filenames, metadata, hashes, findings and reports remain in browser memory only. MicroIntent does not upload or store them.
Location protection
Precise coordinates are hidden on screen until deliberately revealed and are redacted from reports by default. The tool does not reverse-geocode or open maps.
What this does not do
The inspector does not scan visible pixels, remove metadata, prove authorship, verify identity, certify legal compliance or guarantee privacy after sharing.
Frequently asked questions
What metadata can an image contain?
Images can contain technical, capture, author, rights, description, software, workflow, thumbnail and location metadata. The exact families depend on the file format and software used.
Can photos contain GPS coordinates?
Yes. Some phones and cameras can store precise GPS coordinates in image metadata. This tool hides those values until you deliberately reveal them.
Does removing EXIF remove all private information?
Not necessarily. Images can carry EXIF, XMP, IPTC, comments, thumbnails and other blocks. A cleaned copy should be inspected separately before sharing.
Can metadata be changed or forged?
Yes. Metadata is useful context, but it does not prove accuracy, authorship or authenticity.
What is EXIF?
EXIF is a common image metadata format used for camera settings, dates, orientation and sometimes GPS information.
What is XMP?
XMP is extensible metadata commonly written by editing and publishing software for descriptions, rights and workflow information.
What is IPTC?
IPTC is a photo metadata standard commonly used for captions, credits, copyright, locations and editorial workflow information.
Do PNG files contain metadata?
Yes. PNG files can contain text chunks, physical pixel density, modification time, embedded EXIF and colour profiles.
Do WebP files contain EXIF?
WebP can contain EXIF, XMP and ICC profile chunks when they are included by the source software.
Does this tool upload my image?
No. Your image is inspected locally in this browser. MicroIntent does not upload or store the file.
Why are GPS coordinates hidden?
Coordinates can reveal where a photo was taken. They remain hidden by default and exports redact them unless you explicitly opt in.
Does missing metadata mean the image is private?
No. Missing supported metadata does not prove anonymity or privacy. Visible pixels and unsupported metadata can still disclose information.
Can social media remove metadata?
Some platforms remove some metadata while others preserve it. Check the platform behaviour independently; this tool does not guarantee it.
What is an embedded thumbnail?
An embedded thumbnail is a small image stored in metadata. It may differ from the visible image and should be reviewed where relevant.
Can metadata reveal the phone or camera used?
It can reveal camera make, model, lens, serial number, software or other device and workflow identifiers when those fields are embedded.
Can metadata reveal the date a photo was taken?
It can contain capture, digitised, modified and GPS date/time fields. Timezone is not inferred when metadata does not provide it.
Does the tool inspect visible text in the image?
No. This tool inspects metadata only. It does not scan image pixels for text, faces, addresses or landmarks.
Can this tool prove who created a photo?
No. It can report authorship-related metadata, but it does not verify authorship, identity or authenticity.
Can it remove metadata?
No. V1 is an inspector. Use a separate cleaned copy and inspect that output again before sharing where important.
Why might some metadata be unreadable?
Metadata can be malformed, truncated, proprietary, encrypted or outside the supported structures. The tool reports partial inspection rather than inventing values.
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