Does Google picasa store metadata in the pictures?

What relevant information can be extracted from mobile phone picture metadata?

• Hypothetically speaking, what types of information analysis could a Facebook or Google+ do on millions of pictures that is relevant for their advertisers? Especially interested in macro possibilities instead of micro. Think cross analyzing location data with potential interest in ads. I.e.: Users might live in New Jersey but work in NY and have interest in buying your spectacular cupcakes because user also liked cupcakes from a store in NJ? Or: users that frequently snap pictures at a particular date/time while at/near a local cinema could be targeted for an advertisement promoting that new chick-flick that's airing at 8 every tuesday.

• Answer:

  While there is not much metadata to be gleaned from smartphone pictures other than the date and location of the picture I am sure Google and Facebook will be able to make use of this in some way. This data would be one piece of a puzzle in a complex algorithm that would help predict what, when, and where advertisements or events would be the most appreciated or viewed in turn making these investments more profitable.