How To Leave Behind A Digital Legacy
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Social media accounts. Online images and videos. Digital currency. Ever wondered what happens to all these web-based resources when you pass away?
It’s a question worth asking. Almost all of us are building our very own digital legacy as we speak, but not many know what’s required when it comes to leaving online data behind.
Without taking action to safeguard your digital legacy after death, there’s a real risk that your online information could fall into the wrong hands and/or be locked away from your family forever. Here, Dead Right take a peek at the workings of the digital afterlife, revealing how to manage and bequeath your digital assets.
Understanding Digital Assets
You might be surprised at how many digital assets you actually own. Going online is second nature nowadays, and many of us are creating/saving new information monthly, weekly or even daily.
To successfully ensure everything you own is accounted for, you need to consider the sites you use and the items/data that belongs to you. Digital assets can take many forms, including:
- Social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter)
- Business profiles (LinkedIn, company websites)
- Images and movies
- Gaming profiles and characters
- Online music (Spotify, iTunes, Tidal)
- Emails and online messages
By clarifying and tallying up your digital assets today, you can prevent any from being left floating in cyberspace. Everything on the list should be entered into your will, and can then be handed over to the appropriate family member when required.
Outline Your Digital Desires
Here’s another head-scratcher you should aim to solve sooner rather than later: what would you like to happen to your digital assets when you die?
Some people want their social media accounts to be stripped from the internet; taking their internet presence with them when they leave the world. Others prefer the thought of sticking around, albeit in digital format.
Whatever you desire – make sure you list these wishes in your will so the right procedures can be taken when your time comes. Ask loved ones how they feel about it all too; they might like the idea of being able to revisit your Facebook page and scroll through old images of you together… but this could also prevent them from recovering from grief. Consider their feelings before you act.
Passing on your passwords
Finally, cobble together all your passwords and put them in your will too. Not only is this the safest possible place for them, it will also ensure your digital assets remain accessible long after you’ve passed away.
There have been several instances where people have died and left loved ones locked out of accounts. The likes of Facebook will often fiercely protect user privacy after death – even from relatives – meaning the account is simply left sitting there.
Remember to put your email passwords in (email is a popular method for social media password recovery), along with any secret answers and hints/tips. It’s also worth noting down the codes for anything password-protected on your mobile, camera, kindle, diaries or games.
The more information your loved ones have, the greater control they will have over your assets.
Want to get ahead in other ways too? Dead Right can help you put plans in place so that things go smoothly for your loved ones when you pass away. Give our helpful for team a call on 0203 937 7707 or email help@deadright.com for more information.
Social media accounts. Online images and videos. Digital currency. Ever wondered what happens to all these web-based resources when you pass away?
It’s a question worth asking. Almost all of us are building our very own digital legacy as we speak, but not many know what’s required when it comes to leaving online data behind.
Without taking action to safeguard your digital legacy after death, there’s a real risk that your online information could fall into the wrong hands and/or be locked away from your family forever. Here, Dead Right take a peek at the workings of the digital afterlife, revealing how to manage and bequeath your digital assets.
Understanding Digital Assets
You might be surprised at how many digital assets you actually own. Going online is second nature nowadays, and many of us are creating/saving new information monthly, weekly or even daily.
To successfully ensure everything you own is accounted for, you need to consider the sites you use and the items/data that belongs to you. Digital assets can take many forms, including:
- Social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter)
- Business profiles (LinkedIn, company websites)
- Images and movies
- Gaming profiles and characters
- Online music (Spotify, iTunes, Tidal)
- Emails and online messages
By clarifying and tallying up your digital assets today, you can prevent any from being left floating in cyberspace. Everything on the list should be entered into your will, and can then be handed over to the appropriate family member when required.
Outline Your Digital Desires
Here’s another head-scratcher you should aim to solve sooner rather than later: what would you like to happen to your digital assets when you die?
Some people want their social media accounts to be stripped from the internet; taking their internet presence with them when they leave the world. Others prefer the thought of sticking around, albeit in digital format.
Whatever you desire – make sure you list these wishes in your will so the right procedures can be taken when your time comes. Ask loved ones how they feel about it all too; they might like the idea of being able to revisit your Facebook page and scroll through old images of you together… but this could also prevent them from recovering from grief. Consider their feelings before you act.
Passing on your passwords
Finally, cobble together all your passwords and put them in your will too. Not only is this the safest possible place for them, it will also ensure your digital assets remain accessible long after you’ve passed away.
There have been several instances where people have died and left loved ones locked out of accounts. The likes of Facebook will often fiercely protect user privacy after death – even from relatives – meaning the account is simply left sitting there.
Remember to put your email passwords in (email is a popular method for social media password recovery), along with any secret answers and hints/tips. It’s also worth noting down the codes for anything password-protected on your mobile, camera, kindle, diaries or games.
The more information your loved ones have, the greater control they will have over your assets.
Want to get ahead in other ways too? Dead Right can help you put plans in place so that things go smoothly for your loved ones when you pass away. Give our helpful for team a call on 0203 937 7707 or email help@deadright.com for more information.
