When you die, your digital assets—which include everything from online bank accounts and social media to digital photos and cryptocurrency, don’t automatically transfer like physical property. Here’s what typically happens, and what you can do to ensure they’re handled properly:
What Happens by Default:
- Access Is Restricted: Most digital platforms restrict access after death due to privacy laws (like the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act).
- Terms of Service Govern Access: Each platform (e.g., Google, Facebook, Apple) has its own policies. Without planning, your family may need court orders just to access your data.
- Digital Assets May Be Lost: If no one knows your passwords or what accounts you have, assets can become inaccessible or vanish completely.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Digital Legacy:
1. Inventory Your Digital Assets
- Include:
- Email accounts
- Social media profiles
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Online banking/investment accounts
- Subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon)
- Cryptocurrency wallets
- Personal websites or blogs
- Store this inventory securely (encrypted file, password manager, or with your estate attorney).
2. Use Legacy Tools
- Google: “Inactive Account Manager” lets you choose what happens to your account after inactivity.
- Facebook: Lets you assign a legacy contact or request account deletion.
- Apple: Has a “Digital Legacy” tool to assign access to specific people.
3. Include Digital Assets in Your Will
- Specify:
- Who should access or manage each account
- Whether data should be deleted or preserved
- How to distribute valuable digital assets (e.g., crypto, digital art)
- Important: Don’t list passwords in your will (it becomes public record). Store them securely and reference them where they can be found.
4. Appoint a Digital Executor
- Some states legally recognize this role. Even if not, naming someone in your will to manage your digital life gives clear guidance.