Can location be determined from IP address?

[strawberryjeans]

Just that really

I’m wondering if there were ever a data leak, on here, for example, could location be at risk of being shared? Do MNHQ have access to location info from the IP address? I understand general location like county or even city but didn’t know if it was any more specific than that.

It depends on the level of clearance. The police for example can almost certainly find an address based on IP.

There was a true incident two years ago on MN where someone posted a fairly alarming thread regarding suicidal thoughts. MN passed the details onto authorities and the police actually did a welfare check at the real address of the IP associated with that account within hours. We found out because the OP posted an update and was very unhappy that the police showed up at her door, and also that her husband found out about it.

@Carebears100 and @Livelovebehappy there are many reasons why employers won’t let you work from another country - taxation, different legislation, insurance but also visa requirements. My employer allows you to work from anywhere for a certain number of weeks per year so you can take an extended holiday abroad by working for a few days in the middle. However, we have to check that the country allows this without a work visa - just because employer has a policy doesn’t mean all places allow it. Some places I have done this from allowed me to work ‘remotely’, but as I was not on specific company business I was not allowed to visit the local office. For a financial company I expect there’s more red tape still.

What is the AIBU here?

Ah. That makes sense- never thought about it from the view of work visa if working in another country.

I see. That’s totally understandable though I guess they were just trying to keep her safe.

Is it that only the police can actually determine specific location then?

No, it's the internet service provider. They know what ip they assign to each customer and they can tell the police.

Ah I see. Not just any random though. That’s good to know