Do Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) Remove EXIF Data?

The Social Media Privacy Myth

Many users assume that social networks automatically protect their privacy. The reality is complex. While some platforms compress images (destroying metadata in the process), others preserve it intentionally.

Platform Breakdown (2025 Update)

Instagram & Facebook

Verdict: YES (Mostly).
Meta platforms generally strip EXIF data (including GPS) when you post to your timeline or story. This is done to reduce file sizes. However, if you use their "Data Download" tool to retrieve your data later, the original metadata might still be associated with your account on their servers.

X (formerly Twitter)

Verdict: YES.
X strips metadata from public tweets.

Discord

Verdict: NO (Dangerous).
This is a major risk. If you send an image file directly in a Discord chat, Discord often preserves the original file structure. This means if you upload a photo of your gaming setup, users can download it, view the EXIF, and find your home coordinates. Always use ExifX before sharing images on Discord.

Email & Messaging (iMessage/WhatsApp)

• WhatsApp: Strips data (usually) due to compression.
• iMessage: KEEPS data depending on settings ("Low Quality Image Mode" off).
• Email: KEEPS all data. Never email a raw photo to a stranger without cleaning it first.