Digital addresses
Is a UPCS Code Private or Public?
A UPCS code points to an exact 3 m x 3 m location, so anyone who has it can see the place. Learn what that means and how to share a code sensibly.
Updated 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
A UPCS code is not a secret. It is a reference to a place, and anyone who has the code can look it up on a map. Whether that is a privacy problem depends on what the place is and who you give the code to.
What a code reveals
A code corresponds to a 3 m x 3 m cell. Anyone who enters it sees the country, the coordinates and the point on the map, and can open directions. That is exactly what makes it useful for deliveries and visits. The code itself does not contain a name or other personal details; it is derived from the position.
Context is what makes it personal
A code becomes personal when it is linked to a person: in a message, an order, a profile or a public post. A code for a shop entrance is meant to be public. A code for your front door, sent with your name, tells the recipient where you live.
Sensible habits
- Share with purpose. Give the code to the person or company that needs it.
- Use private channels. A direct message or order note is better than a public post.
- Pick the right point. For a delivery, the gate or a collection point may be better than your door.
- Do not publish a home code in public listings, reviews or social media unless you are comfortable with everyone seeing it.
- Review your saved items. If you have an account, look at what you have saved. Signed-in users can see their own list under My postcodes.
Saved and shared locations
If you save a location in your account or generate a share link, remember that the link points to the same place for everyone who opens it. Treat it like a street address written on a card.
For businesses and developers
If your site collects customers' codes, handle them as personal location data: show only what is needed, keep API keys on the server and limit who can see the field. For API behaviour, refer to the API documentation.
Where to learn more
The principles apply to any location code, not only UPCS. See privacy when sharing a precise location and safety tips for sharing your home location. For what the code is, see what is a UPCS code.
Frequently asked questions
Does a UPCS code contain my name or personal details?
The code itself is derived from the location and does not contain a name. But anyone who has the code can see where the place is, so share it with care.