061 - Be Careful Who Sees Your Location

May 30

“Many apps share your location automatically. Review privacy settings regularly, especially on dating apps and social media, to avoid unwanted tracking or harassment.”

Modern smart devices are incredible for keeping us connected, but they have a habit of quietly sharing more than we realize. Many of the apps we use daily—from social media platforms to dating apps—are constantly tracking our physical location right in the background.

For members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, digital privacy isn't just about avoiding annoying advertisements. It is a genuine safety concern. Sharing your precise location can inadvertently expose your private life, your favorite community spaces, or your routines to people who don't need to see them. Whether you are fully out or navigating your own personal journey, you deserve to choose exactly when, where, and with whom you share your whereabouts.

Taking control of your digital boundaries doesn't require a degree in computer science. You can make your phone significantly more secure in just a few minutes.

Here is a quick checklist to reclaim your privacy today:

Audit your apps: Open your phone’s main Settings menu and look for "Privacy" or "Location Services." Take a close look at the list of apps. If a restaurant finder or a mobile game has constant access to your GPS, switch it to "Never" or "Only While Using the App."
Hide your precise location: Both Apple and Android phones now let you toggle off "Precise Location" for individual apps. This keeps your general city visible while hiding your exact street address.
Be mindful of background details: Before posting a photo from a local community center, a rally, or a favorite hangout spot, double-check that you aren't accidentally tagging the exact location or showing identifiable landmarks in the background.

Your privacy is yours to protect. Taking a few moments to adjust these settings ensures you can enjoy your community online while staying completely safe in the real world.

What Now

If you are a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and suspect your physical location is being actively tracked, or if you have experienced harassment, stalking, or a privacy breach due to location-sharing features, take these immediate protective actions:

Perform an Immediate Location Lockdown: Go into your device’s master settings and completely toggle off "Location Services" or "Location Tracking." For a faster emergency measure, switch your phone to Airplane Mode. This instantly cuts off the GPS data streaming from your background apps while you plan your next steps.
Contact a Digital Safety Helpline: Reach out to the nonprofit specialists at the Digital Defense Fund or the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative helpline. They provide specialized, confidential support for individuals facing digital harassment, non-consensual tracking, and tech-abuse, helping you safely navigate your digital footprint.
Audit and Revoke App Permissions: Once you are in a safe physical space, review the individual permissions for every app on your device. Completely revoke location access for non-essential programs (such as games or retail apps), and change essential apps (like maps or ridesharing) from "Always Allow" to "Only While Using the App."
Document and Preserve Evidence: If the location tracking is tied to active harassment, stalking, or threats, document everything before changing your settings. Take clear screenshots of the unwanted messages, tracking alerts, or threatening profiles. Store this evidence securely on an external drive or with a trusted friend in case you choose to seek legal protection.
Establish a Physical Safety Plan: If you believe someone is using your location to track your real-world routines, alter your daily paths and community spaces immediately. Reach out to local 2SLGBTQI+ community centers or trusted advocacy networks to establish a safety plan, and consider consulting a legal professional or local law enforcement to discuss restraining orders or stalking laws.