# ExifTool privacy rating

Cross-platform Perl library and command-line tool by Phil Harvey for reading, writing and removing metadata in images, audio, video and documents.

## Summary

ExifTool scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the metadata removal criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales. It does not meet independent audit.

- Website: https://exiftool.org
- Source code: https://github.com/exiftool/exiftool
- License: GPL-3.0
- Home page trackers: none found
- Category: [Metadata removal](https://privacyratings.com/metadata-removal/)
- Grade: B (80/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | GPL-3.0. | https://github.com/exiftool/exiftool/blob/master/LICENSE |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | No telemetry or analytics in the source code. | https://github.com/exiftool/exiftool |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Free software with no ads, supported by donations. | https://exiftool.org/#donate |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/metadata-removal/exiftool/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/metadata-removal/exiftool.md