Technology and its hidden truths: You won't believe it!

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Infographics of modern technological devices

By Sanju Sapkota | sanjusapkota.com.np

Most tech blogs recycle the same topics—AI, smartphones, and crypto. But behind the scenes, there are shocking, lesser-known truths about how technology really works. Here are 10 realities you won’t find in mainstream tech coverage.

1. Your “Deleted” Cloud Files Are Never Really Gone

cloud files

When you delete files from Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, they don’t vanish immediately. Tech companies keep them for years—sometimes indefinitely—for “legal compliance.”

  • Proof: Google’s privacy policy admits they retain data “as required by law.”

  • Why No One Talks About It: Cloud providers don’t want users to know their data is still stored.

2. Smart TVs Spy on You—Even When Voice Control Is Off

smart tv spying on you 

Many Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs analyze conversations for targeted ads, even if you disable voice assistants.

  • Proof: Samsung’s privacy policy states: “Voice data may be collected to improve services.”

  • What You Can Do: Disable automatic content recognition (ACR) in settings.

3. USB Cables Can Secretly H-a-c-k Your Computer 

 

USB Cables Can Hack Your Devices

A malicious USB device (like “BadUSB”) can install malware or even fry your hardware in seconds.

  • Proof: Security researchers demonstrated this at Black Hat 2014.

  • Protect Yourself: Never plug in unknown USB devices.

4. Your Phone’s “Fingerprint Unlock” Isn’t as Secure as You Think

 

Fingerprint unlock is not safe

Fingerprint sensors can be fooled with 3D-printed replicas or even high-resolution photos.

  • Proof: The Chaos Computer Club h-a-c-k-e-d iPhone Touch ID in 2013.

  • Better Alternative: Use PIN + Face Unlock for stronger security.

5. Free Apps Sell Your Data—Even If They Claim They Don’t

 

Use F-Droid, Ditch other

Many “free” apps secretly share your location, contacts, and browsing history with data brokers.

  • Proof: A 2023 study found 75% of free Android apps send data to third parties.

  • Solution: Use open-source alternatives like F-Droid apps.

6. Undersea Internet Cables Are Surprisingly Fragile 

 

Undersea cables are time bomb

99% of global internet traffic flows through undersea cables—but they can be cut by ships, sharks, or even spies.

  • Fact: In 2022, the Tonga volcano eruption severed its only cable, causing a nationwide blackout.

  • Why It’s Ignored: Governments don’t want to reveal vulnerabilities.

    Here is the more details about this topic :
    - What happens if undersea cables fail? - 

7. AI Chat bots Memorize and Leak Private Conversations 

AI Chats are leaking

Chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini sometimes store and reproduce sensitive user inputs.

8. Your Laptop Webcam Can Be H-a-c-k-e-d Without a Light Turning On 

 

Laptop webcam can be hacked

Some spyware can activate webcams without triggering the LED light.

  • Proof: The CIA’s Vault 7 leaks confirmed this exploit.

  • Fix: Cover your webcam with tape when not in use.

9. E-Waste Recycling Is a Global Scam 

E-Waste recycling is a scam

Many “recycled” electronics end up in Third World landfills, poisoning water supplies.

  • Fact: Only 17% of e-waste is properly recycled (UN report).

  • What You Can Do: Use certified recyclers like e-Stewards.

10. The Internet Is Slowly Burning Itself to Death

Internet is burning

Every Google search, email, and video call physically erodes server hardware over time.

  • How?: Electricity corrodes copper wires, and SSDs wear out after ~10,000 rewrites.

  • Why Nobody Admits It: Tech companies want the “cloud” to seem infinite.

    Here is the more details about this topic :
    - The Internet is slowly buring itself to death. - 

Final Thoughts

The tech industry hides many uncomfortable truths—from spying smart devices to self-destructing internet cables. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

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Here is more - Top 10 Hidden Tech Realities Part 2 - 2025 
 

Tech enthusiast and researcher focused on uncovering the hidden environmental and social impacts of modern technology. Exploring the intersection of AI, hardware, and sustainability since 2015.

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