Tech AI can pinpoint photo locations in seconds, raising privacy concerns

Creepy: a seemingly ordinary photo shared on social media can now give away a person's exact location. Even when an image shows no prominent landmarks, advances in artificial intelligence can often identify its location within seconds.


Specialists have cautioned that AI can now trace a person's location or daily movements with an accuracy many people would not expect. By analysing past photos alongside online comments, AI systems can infer where someone lives or is likely to be found, often in a very short time. This capability was demonstrated using a simple selfie taken by a staff member. Although the background offered few obvious clues, the AI identified the spot as Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa within seconds. Subtle elements in the image, like a bamboo fence in the foreground, are enough for the system to narrow down the location. Recognition no longer depends solely on well-known landmarks but also on small, easily overlooked details.

The technology's capabilities go even further. In another test, a photo taken near the National Diet Building in Tokyo was analyzed. Even when the building itself was barely visible, the AI was able to determine the exact area. "It correctly identified the front of the Diet building," Hibi said. "It matched the gate design and even recognized surrounding buildings in the distance." The same applies indoors. In one example, a photo taken inside the TBS Broadcasting Center allowed the AI to narrow down the location to a specific floor, based on visible buildings and roof structures seen through a window.

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Aren't those are very public and well-known spots, sort of gifting a couple softballs to the supposed god-like AI.

Choose any of my pics in the Japan Photos threads (this year or past years) and see how it does. Yes, a few of those are from well-known places here--even with the name of the place in plain sight (i.e, you wouldn't need an AI to know)--but how about some others?

Worth a try. Of course, central Tokyo and Kenrokuen are easy picks, but so is any destination featured on Instagram and other social media (and perhaps Google Streets).