Metadata refers to additional information embedded within digital files, such as documents, images, videos, or advertisements. This data is not always visible to the end user but can include details like the file’s creation date, author, location, device used, and even editing history. Metadata helps organize, search, and manage digital content more efficiently. However, it can also pose privacy and security risks if sensitive information is unintentionally shared or exposed, making it important to understand and manage metadata, especially when sharing files online.