Microsoft Teams to automatically strip hidden location data from shared images

Protect your privacy with a new Teams update that automatically removes GPS coordinates and device details from images before they are shared.

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Microsoft is now rolling out a new privacy feature for Teams that automatically strips away the Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) metadata from images shared within chats and channels. This update will help to protect users unintentionally sending sensitive information, such as precise GPS coordinates and device hardware details which are commonly embedded in digital photos.

The global rollout is currently beginning for Targeted Release users, with a broader Worldwide and GCC deployment scheduled to start in mid-February 2026. Microsoft expects that the feature will be fully active across all environments, including the high-security government clouds, by the end of March.

When available, this feature will automatically remove hidden metadata attached to photos taken with a camera, including manufacturer info, camera models, and location tags. This added security in Teams will be available for Windows, Mac, and the web, ensuring a consistent experience across desktop environments.

It will be enabled by default, so users nor admins will need to change any settings. Microsoft understands that some users will want to send images with metadata attached, to do this, users will need to upload images to OneDrive and share a link rather than a direct file.

This change by Microsoft will provide organizations with an immediate improvement in their security posture as the risk of accidental location disclosure or doxxing via shared media is eliminated. The change also protects field workers, executives, and sensitive project managers from leaking their location when posting real-time photos to team channels.

Microsoft recommends that admins inform end users and other relevant parties that EXIF data will no longer be available in Teams-shared images. It also said that if your organization has any internal documentation that references sharing metadata via images, that this be updated too.

You can learn more on the Microsoft 365 Admin Center via Message ID MC1217997 and Roadmap ID 542795. In case you missed it, we also reported that Teams is getting custom notices for better privacy compliance.