this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2025
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Original question by @TheImpressiveX@lemmy.today

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[โ€“] Pronell@lemmy.world 17 points 2 days ago (4 children)

Fax machines!

They were invented long before the computer or modem, with the original patent being issued in 1843.

They seem wildly outdated, but the ability to replicate the signature (iirc) led to faxes being accepted as legal documents.

This speaks more to the underlying usefulness in earlier eras, but it's still wild to make a phone call that leads to a printed document.

[โ€“] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Faxes are secure after sending. The only way for a third party to get a fax is to physically tap the line at the time of transmission, or to break into the building and steal the paper.

Email sits online, where everyone can get at it unless you prevent it. Faxes sit in a drawer, behind the locks you already have.

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