Original research — in progress

Metadata Test Lab

We empirically test what happens to photo metadata across devices and platforms — same fixture, documented method, published bytes-level comparison. Nothing below is claimed until its test is run and dated.

iPhone (HEIC)

PLANNED — NOT YET TESTED

version: tbd · tested: tbd

Reproduction method

  1. Shoot a still photo with location enabled on a known iOS version.
  2. Transfer the original .HEIC via cable (no AirDrop conversion).
  3. Record SHA-256, parse with exifr, note EXIF/GPS/XMP presence.
  4. Clean with ExifCleaner, re-scan output, record verification.

Results will appear here with fixture hash and verdict once the test is executed.

Instagram (feed post)

PLANNED — NOT YET TESTED

version: tbd · tested: tbd

Reproduction method

  1. Upload a GPS-tagged JPEG via the app on a recorded version.
  2. Download the served image from a desktop session.
  3. Compare served bytes vs original: EXIF/GPS/XMP/thumbnail presence.

Results will appear here with fixture hash and verdict once the test is executed.

Discord (channel upload)

PLANNED — NOT YET TESTED

version: tbd · tested: tbd

Reproduction method

  1. Upload a GPS-tagged JPEG to a private test server.
  2. Open the full-resolution file and save it.
  3. Compare saved bytes vs original across EXIF/GPS/XMP categories.

Results will appear here with fixture hash and verdict once the test is executed.

WhatsApp (standard send)

PLANNED — NOT YET TESTED

version: tbd · tested: tbd

Reproduction method

  1. Send a GPS-tagged JPEG as a photo (not document).
  2. Save the received image on the recipient device.
  3. Compare received bytes vs original across metadata categories.

Results will appear here with fixture hash and verdict once the test is executed.

Facebook (feed post)

PLANNED — NOT YET TESTED

version: tbd · tested: tbd

Reproduction method

  1. Upload a GPS-tagged JPEG, then download the served image.
  2. Compare served bytes vs original across metadata categories.

Results will appear here with fixture hash and verdict once the test is executed.

Pixel (Camera app JPEG)

PLANNED — NOT YET TESTED

version: tbd · tested: tbd

Reproduction method

  1. Shoot with location on, transfer original via cable.
  2. Record SHA-256, parse metadata, clean, and verify as with iPhone.

Results will appear here with fixture hash and verdict once the test is executed.

Meanwhile, the safest assumption: clean files before sharing. Open the photo cleaner