Fact or Fiction?

We've all been there. The conversation turns to technology, and somebody says something they heard from their cousin, who knows about computers, regarding a government facility that reads all your emails, tracks your phone calls and knows what setting your toaster's on. Such received wisdom may have its roots in TV or film, or a misunderstanding of technology or its uses. It may even be true. But when myths and half-truths enter folklore, it can be a dangerous thing, particularly if it influences your behaviour. Worse, there are scammers waiting to take advantage of our confusion. We present a few of our favourite apocryphal stories and separate fact from fiction.