In today's world, so much of our lives are online. From social media accounts and email to online banking and family photos, we build up a huge digital presence over time. But have you ever wondered what happens to all of this when you pass away? 

Planning your digital legacy is important. It ensures your loved ones can access or close your accounts easily, without unnecessary stress. It also helps protect your online information and makes sure your digital memories are passed on the way you want. 

Understanding Digital Legacy 

A digital legacy is everything you leave behind online when you die. This includes your email accounts, social media profiles, online banking, and digital photos or videos. Managing these assets properly can help prevent identity theft, financial issues, or the accidental loss of treasured memories.

The Importance of Digital Legacy Planning 

Without a plan, your family may struggle to access important information or sentimental items like family photos. Some companies have strict rules about account access after death, making it difficult to retrieve data. By organising your digital legacy now, you can make things easier for your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected. 

Steps to Create Your Digital Legacy Plan 

1. Compile a Comprehensive Inventory of Digital Assets 

Begin by listing all your digital assets. This includes: 

• Personal Accounts: Email addresses, social media profiles (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), and personal blogs. 

• Financial Accounts: Online banking, investment platforms, PayPal, and cryptocurrency wallets. 

• Subscriptions: Streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Spotify), online publications, and software subscriptions. 

• Digital Storage: Cloud services (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive), external hard drives, and photo storage platforms. 

For each account, note down the username, associated email, and purpose of the account. Avoid listing passwords in this document for security reasons. 

2. Decide on the Desired Outcome for Each Asset 

Determine what you'd like to happen to each digital asset: 

• Deletion: Some accounts, like unused social media profiles, might be best deleted to protect privacy. 

• Transfer: Financial accounts or valuable digital assets may need to be transferred to beneficiaries. 

• Archival: Photos, videos, or writings might be preserved for family members. 

Clearly document your wishes for each asset to guide your digital executor. 

3. Appoint a Digital Executor 

A digital executor is someone you trust to manage your digital assets after your death. This individual should be tech-savvy and understand your wishes. In the UK, while the role of a digital executor isn't legally recognised separately, you can specify in your will that your executor handles digital assets. 

4. Utilise In-Platform Legacy Tools 

Many platforms offer tools to manage your account after death: 

• Apple: Allows you to set up a Legacy Contact who can access your data after you pass away. 

• Google: Offers an Inactive Account Manager to decide what happens to your account after a period of inactivity. 

• Facebook: Enables you to designate a legacy contact to manage your memorialised account or request its deletion. 

Setting up these tools ensures your accounts are managed according to your preferences. 

5. Store Access Information Securely 

While it's essential to keep your passwords secure during your lifetime, consider how your digital executor will access your accounts: 

• Password Managers: Some offer emergency access features, allowing a trusted person to access your passwords if something happens to you. 

• Encrypted Documents: Store your access information in an encrypted file, sharing the decryption key with your executor. 

Ensure your digital executor knows how to access this information when needed. 

6. Include Digital Assets in Your Will 

Explicitly mention your digital assets and wishes in your will. This provides legal backing for your digital executor to manage your digital estate. However, avoid listing sensitive information like passwords in the will, as it becomes a public document after probate. 

7. Regularly Update Your Digital Legacy Plan 

Our digital lives evolve, with new accounts and assets added over time. Review and update your digital legacy plan annually or after significant life events to ensure it remains current. 

Legal Considerations in the UK 

In the UK, accessing someone's account after their death without explicit permission can be legally complex. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 makes it an offence to access data without authorisation. Therefore, it's crucial to provide clear consent and instructions in your will regarding your digital assets.

The Emotional Value of Digital Assets 

Beyond the practical aspects, digital assets often hold immense sentimental value. Photos, videos, and personal messages are digital heirlooms that family members may cherish. By organising and planning your digital legacy, you ensure these memories are preserved and accessible, offering comfort to your loved ones. 

Conclusion 

Incorporating digital legacy planning into your end-of-life arrangements can make a big difference for your loved ones. Taking simple steps now will give you peace of mind and ensure that your digital presence is handled the way you want. At The Farewell Guide we offer you a place to store all your wishes and documents, which you can then share with loved ones, so everyone knows the plan. Don’t leave it to chance, make a plan today and save your loved ones time and stress.