In Georgia, thousands of people may unknowingly be handing over intimate photos and videos when recycling their old phones, laptops, and other digital devices.
A recent survey from HostingAdvice reveals that 23% of Georgians admit they do not erase personal data before recycling, leaving potentially sensitive content—often the type meant only for private eyes—vulnerable to being seen by strangers.
The Risky Reality of Device Recycling
• Unwiped Content: More than one in five Georgians wrongly believe that recycling centers will wipe their devices for them, when in fact, most facilities do not offer any data-wiping services. This common misconception puts an estimated 49,588 residents at risk of inadvertently sharing private moments captured on their devices.
• Forgotten Memories: For many, the realization that intimate photos or videos are still on a device surfaces only too late, long after it’s been handed over to recycling centers or resold. This trend extends beyond Georgia, with 26% of Americans surveyed failing to remove personal content before recycling.
Why People Don’t Wipe Data
The survey revealed the reasons why some fail to delete their content:
• Forgetfulness: Over a third (37%) of people simply forget.
• Assumptions: Twenty-two percent believe the center will handle it, while others don’t know how or don’t think it’s necessary.
This lack of diligence means that, nationwide, an estimated 1.6 million used devices containing private data re-enter the market each year, with passwords, IDs, and sometimes even intimate media still intact.
Concerns About Intimate Content
One in 10 Americans admit to storing “racy” photos or videos on their devices. But when it comes to recycling, intimate content takes a back seat to financial security.
While only 21% worry about private images being found, 79% express greater concern about financial information being accessed. Nonetheless, the idea of a stranger finding intimate images still resonates, especially when the average person feels that, despite good intentions, anyone can be curious.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
For those ready to recycle devices, taking a few simple steps to protect personal content is key:
• Manual Erasure: Always factory reset devices and manually delete all data.
• Professional Help: Consider using a secure data-wiping service if unsure how to delete all data yourself.
• Secure Storage: Move any sensitive files to secure cloud storage before recycling a device.
• Just Don’t: If you wouldn’t want your mama to see it, don’t put it on your phone.
The Bottom Line: With 23% of Georgians unwittingly leaving intimate content on old devices, the risk of exposure is high. By taking a few moments to ensure all personal data is removed, Georgians can help keep their most private memories safe, even after their devices are gone.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist with 25-years experience in journalism. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is the publisher of The Georgia Sun and a fifth-generation Georgian.
