- #1
Hyperspace2
- 85
- 1
Do mentors on the PF know my location or any other user's.?
Do Mentors on PF Have Access to User Locations?
- Thread starter Hyperspace2
- Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses whether or not mentors on the PF (Physics Forums) have access to users' locations through IP addresses. It is mentioned that IP addresses can be traced to a general location, but their accuracy is not guaranteed. Some users express concern about their privacy, while others joke about the mentors having access to their personal information. The conversation also mentions websites that can help locate IP addresses and the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses. The conversation ends with a humorous comment about clearing cookies to change one's perceived location.
- #2
Andre
- 4,311
- 74
Your IP can be traced.
- #3
Jimmy Snyder
- 1,127
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You are here.
- #4
Andre
- 4,311
- 74
Jimmy Snyder said:
Where is the X on the map?
- #5
Borek
Mentor
- 29,047
- 4,419
Andre said:
http://www.ip2location.com/free.asp
Enter IP, once details are listed, click on Map It on the right - there will be no cross (sorry), but the red dot.
- #6
Ryan_m_b
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
- 5,963
- 721
- #7
Borek
Mentor
- 29,047
- 4,419
- #8
rhody
Gold Member
- 681
- 3
Hyperspace,Hyperspace2 said:
If need be, we can peek in your window...
Rhody...
- #9
KingNothing
- 881
- 4
IP's can be traced to some extent, but there's no guarantee that they are remotely accurate.
- #10
Evo
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
- 24,017
- 3,339
lol!ryan_m_b said:from our mighty fortress us mentors see all...
- #11
Dembadon
Gold Member
- 659
- 89
Jimmy Snyder said:
No, I'm not. I'm here.
- #12
- 19,043
- 14,645
Hyperspace2 said:
Why do you care? Do you owe one of them money?
- #13
QuarkCharmer
- 1,051
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They can ban users, which I would assume includes banning specific IP's, and you can use an IP to get a very general location or region, so I don't see why they wouldn't.
- #14
diazona
Homework Helper
- 2,176
- 8
Yeah, pretty much every forum or forum-like software gives its moderators access to IP addresses. If you have a static IP address, that IP address can be matched to a location. Generally static IP addresses correspond to cable, DSL, or other broadband internet connections, as well as institutional internet connections (businesses, schools, universities, etc.). The alternative is a dynamic IP address, which you probably have if you're using a dial-up modem. A dynamic IP address _may_ be traceable to a specific location under certain circumstances.
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- #15
diazona
Homework Helper
- 2,176
- 8
Only 350 miles off ;-)Borek said:
I generally prefer http://www.maxmind.com/app/locate_demo_ip
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- #16
moejoe15
- 8
- 0
Jimmy Snyder said:
He isn't here, he's there. Clear your cookies if you want a new path to reality. I was under the impression that routers and cable or DSL modems did not have static addresses.
- #17
lisab
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,026
- 624
moejoe15 said:
that made me laugh...FAQ: Do Mentors on PF Have Access to User Locations?
What methods are used to determine a user's location?
The most common methods used to determine a user's location include GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, IP address mapping, and cell tower triangulation. These technologies use a combination of satellite signals, Wi-Fi networks, and cell towers to pinpoint a user's location.
How accurate are these location detection methods?
The accuracy of location detection methods can vary depending on the technology being used. GPS is typically the most accurate, with an accuracy of up to 10 meters. Wi-Fi positioning and IP address mapping can have an accuracy of around 30 meters, while cell tower triangulation can have an accuracy of up to a few kilometers.
Can a user's location be determined without their knowledge?
In most cases, a user's location cannot be determined without their knowledge. Most location detection methods require the user's explicit consent and can be turned off in their device's settings. However, some apps may collect location data without the user's knowledge, so it's important to carefully review an app's permissions before downloading.
Is a user's location data stored and shared with others?
Location data is often stored by the app or service that collects it. This data may be shared with third parties, such as advertisers, for targeted marketing purposes. However, many apps and services have privacy policies that disclose how and when location data is shared, so it's important to review these policies before using a service.
How can a user protect their privacy when it comes to sharing their location?
To protect privacy when sharing location data, users can turn off location services for apps they don't want to access their location. They can also limit the apps that have access to their location data in their device's settings. It's also important to carefully review an app's permissions and privacy policies before downloading to understand how and when location data is collected and shared.