Failing to manage your digital legacy can create difficulties for loved ones handling your affairs. By providing clear guidance and information, you can ensure your loved ones are able to access or close your accounts easily.
Why your digital legacy matters
Did you know that unless you plan in advance, your digital presence will continue to exist even after your death? In today's world, much of an individual’s life is online – whether through social media, financial accounts or other digital services. Even if you don’t actively use social media, you likely have online banking, utility accounts or other digital records that need to be addressed.
4 steps to manage your digital legacy
To ensure your digital footprint is managed appropriately, consider the following:
Document your online accounts
Create a list of all your online accounts, including email, banking, social media and subscriptions.
Note down how each account should be handled after your passing (e.g., deletion, transfer, memorialisation).
Securely store access information
Use a password manager: A password manager (e.g., 1Password) securely stores your credentials and allows designated individuals access.
Maintain a paper backup: Some prefer to keep a written record of essential credentials, stored securely in a safe place.
Choose a trusted individual: Ensure at least one person knows how to access your system in case of an emergency.
Appoint a digital executor
A digital executor is someone you designate to manage your online presence after your death.
While this is not yet a legally recognised role, having a tech-savvy person handle this responsibility can simplify the process.
Create a digital legacy document
Include important account details, instructions for handling digital assets, and any specific wishes regarding your online presence.
Store this document securely in a ‘death folder’ alongside your other estate planning materials.
Avoid placing sensitive account information in your will, as wills become public documents.
Managing social media accounts after death
Seeing a deceased person’s social media profile can be distressing for loved ones, while others may find comfort in memorialised accounts. Different platforms offer various options for handling accounts after death:
Choose to Memorialise, Deactivate or Delete your account.
Assign a Legacy Contact to manage your memorialised profile.
Use Inactive Account Manager to decide what happens to your Google services (e.g., Gmail, YouTube) after inactivity.
Other social media platforms
Most platforms have policies for handling deceased users' accounts, though they may change over time.
Check each provider's settings to ensure your wishes are carried out.
Online avatars and posthumous presence
Some individuals choose to maintain a posthumous online presence through AI-generated avatars or scheduled posts. If you wish to explore this, plan in advance to control how your digital identity continues.
Treat your digital assets like physical assets
Just as you would plan for physical assets like property and vehicles, it is important to account for your electronic assets in your estate planning. Ensuring that your online accounts, subscriptions and digital files are handled appropriately will ease the burden on your loved ones.