What is metadata in photos and documents?

Metadata is hidden information stored in digital files including GPS location, camera settings, timestamps, author information, device details, and edit history that can compromise your privacy.

What file types does PrivacyStrip support?

Currently supports JPEG and PNG images for EXIF/GPS metadata removal, and PDF documents for author and document information cleaning.

Is PrivacyStrip free to use?

Yes, PrivacyStrip is completely free to use. There are no hidden costs, subscriptions, or premium features.

Do my files get uploaded to your servers?

No, your files never leave your computer. PrivacyStrip processes files entirely in your browser using local JavaScript - no uploads, no servers, no data sharing. This ensures complete privacy protection.

Can I see where my photos were taken before removing GPS data?

Yes! PrivacyStrip includes a GPS inspector that extracts location coordinates from your photos and displays them on Google Maps with one click. This helps you understand what location data your photos contain before removing it.

Does PrivacyStrip work offline?

Yes, PrivacyStrip works completely offline once loaded in your browser. No internet connection is required for processing files, ensuring your privacy even when offline.

Browser-Based vs Cloud Tools: Why Local Processing Wins

🎯 Key Takeaway

When it comes to removing sensitive metadata from your files, browser-based tools like PrivacyStrip offer superior privacy protection compared to cloud-based services. Your files never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

The Privacy Problem with Cloud-Based Tools

Many popular metadata removal services require you to upload your files to their servers for processing. While convenient, this approach creates significant privacy risks that most users don't fully understand.

🚨 What Happens When You Upload Files

Server Storage: Your files are temporarily (or permanently) stored on someone else's computer
Data Mining: Companies can analyze your files for business intelligence
Government Access: Authorities may be able to access uploaded files
Breach Risk: Hackers could potentially access stored files
Terms Changes: Privacy policies can change without notice

How Browser-Based Processing Works

Browser-based tools like PrivacyStrip use modern web technologies to process files entirely within your browser, without any server uploads.

🔧 Technical Implementation

File API: Browser reads file data locally
JavaScript Processing: Metadata is extracted and removed in-browser
Canvas/Blob API: Clean files are generated locally
Download API: Processed files are saved directly to your device

Privacy Advantages of Local Processing

🔒 Zero Data Exposure

Files never leave your device
No server logs or storage
No risk of data breaches
No government surveillance concerns

⚡ Performance Benefits

No upload/download time
Works offline after initial page load
No file size limits
Process multiple files simultaneously

🌐 Universal Access

Works on any device with a modern browser
No software installation required
Cross-platform compatibility
Always up-to-date

📊 Feature Comparison

Feature	Browser-Based (PrivacyStrip)	Cloud-Based Tools
Privacy	✅ Complete - files never uploaded	❌ Limited - files sent to servers
Speed	✅ Instant processing	❌ Upload/download delays
File Size Limits	✅ No limits	❌ Usually 10-100MB limits
Offline Use	✅ Works offline	❌ Requires internet
Cost	✅ Free	💰 Often paid/subscription

Real-World Privacy Scenarios

📸 Personal Photos

Scenario: You want to remove GPS data from family photos before sharing on social media.

Browser-based: Photos never leave your device, GPS data removed instantly
Cloud-based: Private family photos uploaded to unknown servers

📄 Sensitive Documents

Scenario: You need to clean metadata from confidential business documents.

Browser-based: Documents processed locally, no corporate data exposure
Cloud-based: Confidential documents uploaded to third-party servers

🏥 Medical Records

Scenario: Removing personal information from medical documents for sharing.

Browser-based: HIPAA compliance maintained, data stays local
Cloud-based: Potential HIPAA violations, medical data exposure

The Technology Behind Browser Processing

🔧 Modern Web APIs

Modern browsers provide powerful APIs that enable sophisticated file processing without server uploads:

File API: Read local files securely
Canvas API: Manipulate image data pixel by pixel
Web Workers: Process large files without blocking the UI
ArrayBuffer: Handle binary data efficiently

🚀 Experience True Privacy

See the difference for yourself. Use PrivacyStrip to remove metadata from your files with complete privacy - no uploads, no data exposure, no compromises.

Try Browser-Based Processing

Debunking Common Myths

❌ Myth: "Browser processing is less powerful"

Reality: Modern browsers can perform complex file operations that rival desktop software capabilities.

❌ Myth: "You need to trust the website anyway"

Reality: With browser processing, you can verify the code is running locally and even use the tool offline.

❌ Myth: "Cloud processing is more reliable"

Reality: Browser processing eliminates network failures, server outages, and rate limiting issues.

Conclusion: Privacy Without Compromise

Browser-based file processing represents the future of privacy-conscious computing. By keeping your data local, tools like PrivacyStrip provide the perfect balance of convenience, functionality, and privacy protection.

When choosing a metadata removal tool, remember: the only truly private processing is local processing. Your files, your device, your privacy.