The foundation of modern email, a cornerstone of digital communication, surprisingly emerged from a covert initiative during the Cold War. Driven by the threat of nuclear attacks, the US military developed a system called “email” – short for “electronic mail” – to ensure secure and rapid communication even in the event of widespread destruction.

This early email system, primarily utilized by military personnel, aimed to transmit essential messages quickly and reliably. It was a far cry from the ubiquitous email platforms we know today. However, the core principles of sending and receiving digital messages electronically laid the groundwork for the revolutionary communication tool that email eventually became.

Prompt:
What technological innovation, initially designed for a completely different purpose, now underpins a vital part of modern communication?