Websites knowing your location

[xli_ne]

On some sites that I visit, usually dating ads on the side of the site, have women that are from my area, (or supposely are from my area).

Anywho, where do they grab that information from? ip address or something else giving out my location?

 

[Sedulous]

Yep, it is all based on your IP address... and the little gremlin that hides inside your computer.

 

[saabmp3]

On some sites that I visit, usually dating ads on the side of the site, have women that are from my area, (or supposely are from my area).

Anywho, where do they grab that information from? ip address or something else giving out my location?

The netblock has a registered location, usually the location of the 1st level switch at the ISP. The site can then parse this info and figure out an approximate location for you.

If you live in a very remote area (but still somehow have broadband), the location can be quite far off. If you have dial up, the location will probably register as the dial hub location.

Ben