What happens to our social media profiles, email accounts, and digital assets after we die?

In today’s digital world, our lives are increasingly online. From social media profiles to email accounts, cloud storage, and digital assets, much, if not all, of our personal, financial, and emotional information is now stored online.

But what happens to these digital assets after we die?

Unlike physical items, which are passed down through wills and estate plans, managing digital assets can be more complicated. Many online accounts are protected by strict privacy policies, making it difficult for loved ones to access or delete them. Additionally, sentimental items like photos, messages, and personal blogs can disappear if left unchecked. Without a clear plan, important financial, business, or personal data can be lost forever. So just as we plan for our physical estate, it’s important to make arrangements for our digital afterlife.

Inventory your digital assets

Start by making a list of all your digital accounts and digital assets, such as:
– Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
– Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.)
– Financial accounts (online banking, investment platforms, cryptocurrency wallets, PayPal, Venmo, etc.)
– Cloud storage and subscriptions (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
– Websites (personal blogs, business websites, etc.)
– Digital files & photos (stored on hard drives, cloud services, or password-protected accounts).

Having a comprehensive list will help your loved ones locate and manage these accounts when needed.

Appoint a digital executor

Just as you would appoint an executor for your physical estate, consider appointing a digital executor—someone you trust—to handle your online accounts. Some states recognize digital executors in legal wills, while others may require additional documentation. Be sure to check your local laws regarding digital estate planning.

Use legacy and memorialization features

Many online platforms offer ways to manage accounts after death:
Facebook lets you designate a legacy contact to manage your profile or request that your account be deleted. Google offers an inactive account manager, which lets you decide what happens to your account after a period of inactivity. Apple has a digital legacy program that allows selected contacts to access your iCloud data after your death. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram allow family members to request account deactivation. Review these settings and update them according to your wishes.

Store passwords securely

Your executor will need access to your accounts, but sharing passwords directly in a will is not secure. Use a password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden) to securely store your credentials. Write down your key login details and store them in a secure or locked file with instructions on how to access them. Let a trusted person or legal representative know where they can find this information when needed.

Set out your digital wishes in your will
Your will should include instructions on how to handle your digital assets, such as:
– Which accounts should be deleted, memorialized, or transferred.
– Who should have access to personal files, emails, and photos.
– What should happen to digital financial assets, including cryptocurrencies and online investments.

As wills become public records, avoid mentioning passwords or sensitive information. Instead, refer to a separate, secure document with these details.

Planning for your digital afterlife is just as important as planning for your physical assets. By organizing your digital accounts, designating a digital executor, and documenting your wishes, you can ensure that your online presence is managed according to your preferences. Taking these steps now will provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the future.