Pro Tip

You Scrubbed Your Photo. What About Your IP Address?

You used PrivacyPixel to scrub the GPS data from your photo. That's a fantastic first step. But there's another, more persistent tracker you need to know about: **your IP address**.

What's the Difference?

Think of your digital footprint as two separate clues you leave behind:

• EXIF Data (The Letter): This is data *you write* and attach to a file. You can choose to scrub this letter before you send it. This is what PrivacyPixel does.
• Your IP Address (The Envelope): This is the "return address" your internet provider (ISP) *forces* you to put on every single piece of data you send. You can't just "not use it."

When you visit *any* website (a forum, Craigslist, a blog), even if you post a perfectly scrubbed photo, the website's server *still logs your IP address*. This IP address is directly tied to your physical location, often down to your city or neighborhood.

So, What's The Solution?

You can't stop using an IP address, but you can *mask* it. This is what a **VPN (Virtual Private Network)** is for.

A VPN is a simple app that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another city or country.

When you use a VPN:

1. Your ISP (like Comcast or Verizon) can't see what websites you're visiting.
2. The websites you visit can't see your real IP address. They only see the VPN's address (e.g., in Switzerland or Chicago).

Using PrivacyPixel protects your **past** (where a photo was taken). A VPN protects your **present** (where you are *right now*).

Our Recommendation

For a complete privacy setup, you need both. Use PrivacyPixel to scrub your files, and use a trusted, "no-logs" VPN to mask your connection.