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This post knows where you're viewing it from (Lemmy doesn't proxy external images) [ARCHIVED]
(lemmy.ml)
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this post was submitted on 11 Aug 2023
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This is possible because Lemmy doesn't proxy external images but instead loads them directly. While not all that bad, this could be used for Spy pixels by nefarious posters and commenters.
Note, that the only thing that I willingly log is the "hit count" visible in the image, and I have no intention to misuse the data.
The best part is it also works on DMs, so it's trivial to get any persons IP address. Want an admins IP address? Just DM them a message with an embedded spy pixel.
I emailed the lemmy developers about this a few weeks ago since IMHO it's a pretty big security issue, no reply.
I think you're overestimating the value of someone's IP address. Not much one can do with it unless someone really tries to expose themselves.
I think you are underestimating it's value. Some residential IPs geolocation is accurate down to the street.