Published on: 7th January 2019

Digital assets

Have you checked what systems are in place regarding your digital assets when you pass away?

Automatic features such as birthday updates can be very upsetting for loved ones. So what are the policies of the large social media companies? Facebook now has an option so that you can have an electronic memorial after you have passed away. You can also choose a legacy contact who can take over a number of aspects of your account. The "legacy contact" option is located at settings>security tab. Instagram memorialises an account but no one else can log into the profile. They ask that friends and relatives contact them by email when a user has died. Memorialised accounts do not appear in public spaces. Non-digital institutions accept the Death Certificate as proof of death as do Pinterest. You need to provide certain information to them including a copy of the death certificate and Pinterest will deactivate the account. Email ~ Google Gmail: A friend or relative can apply to obtain the contents of a deceased person's email. There is also an "Inactive Account Manager" which gives you various options. Email ~ Yahoo: If a friend or relative provides the relevant paperwork then Yahoo will close an account. Accounts which are not transferable include iCloud and iTunes so access to information terminates when a user dies. Photo websites: If you've posted photos online that you want your heirs to receive, read your terms of service to see what the provisions are for an inactive account. But, it might be easier to simply make backup copies, store them in a safe place, and be sure your executor knows where to find such items. Start thinking about all your online accounts. If you are an average user you will have 207 by next year. Just like the rest of your affairs this all needs careful planning so that you do not leave a digital disaster when you pass away. If you would like to meet with one of our Consultants to discuss any of the issues raised in this article or any other Estate Planning topic please telephone 01732 868190 or click here. Don't delay ~ Act today!

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