Metadata Wiping
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      3. Metadata Wiping

      What is metadata?

      Any file you send, create, or receive may contain hidden information that is viewable using special tools.

      This hidden information can vary based on the type of file involved.

      For example, a Word document or PDF can contain information about:

      • The name of the computer that created the file
      • The date/time that the file was created
      • The date/time that the file was last updated
      • The software that was used to create the file

      This is real metadata attached to a Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file.

      A photo or image file can contain information about:

      • GPS location information for where the photo was taken
      • The type of camera used to take the photo

      This is real metadata attached to a photo file (.jpg). 

      NOTE: You can see the exact GPS coordinates and altitude where the photo was taken.

      It is important to use a tool like ComplyAuto Esquire to wipe this hidden information - metadata - before transmitting files to another party. Without this wiping step, you risk unknowingly transmitting sensitive information.