Geolocation API: What Websites Know About Your Location and How to Stay Private
Geolocation API: What Websites Know About Your Location and How to Stay Private
What Is the Geolocation API?
The Geolocation API is a browser standard that allows websites to request your precise geographic location. When a site uses this API, your browser displays a permission prompt asking whether you want to share your location. Unlike most browser fingerprinting techniques, the Geolocation API requires explicit user permission. For the strategic overview of where geolocation fits alongside DNS, WebRTC, and other privacy threats, see our complete privacy tools guide.
When permission is granted, the API can return your latitude and longitude coordinates with varying precision. On mobile devices with GPS, accuracy is typically within a few meters. On desktop computers without GPS, location is estimated from WiFi network information or IP address.
How to Control Geolocation Access
Block Geolocation in Chrome
Go to Chrome Settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → Location. Set to "Don't allow sites to see your location".
Block Geolocation in Firefox
Go to Firefox Settings → Privacy and Security → Permissions → Location. Click Settings next to Location to manage which sites have access.
IP-Based Geolocation (No Permission Required)
Even if you deny the Geolocation API permission, websites can still estimate your location from your IP address. The only way to prevent IP-based geolocation is to use a VPN or Tor Browser to mask your real IP address.
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