When someone passes away, they leave behind more than treasured memories and personal belongings. Today, most of us also leave a digital life – from social media profiles and email accounts to online banking, cloud storage, streaming subscriptions and precious photographs.
Research suggests this is something many of us simply haven’t considered. A survey by consumer champion Which? found that 76% of people had made no plans for what should happen to their digital assets after their death. Only 18% had left instructions on how family could access their accounts, while just 3% had included any digital provisions in their will. (Which?)
There are many digital items in a person’s life that need to be managed when they pass away, such as:
- Email accounts
- Social media accounts
- Online banking and payment services
- Photos and videos stored in the cloud
- Loyalty schemes and subscriptions
- Online businesses or websites
- Digital documents
- Music, films and e-books
- Password managers and online accounts
Some of these have financial value, while others hold memories that loved ones would like to keep.
Immediate action
Many of the above items are probably accessed via the deceased person’s phone. The first step in managing their digital legacy is to keep their phone charged with the SIM card in place, avoiding the factory reset option. Many online accounts now require Multi-Factor Authentication. This almost always involves the account holder’s phone.
What do digital users want?
Researchers found that around four in five people would like someone they trust to have access to their digital accounts after they die. However, because many never record their wishes or make practical arrangements, almost two-thirds are unlikely to achieve the outcome they would want. (Taylor & Francis)
Famous digital legacies
High-profile cases have shown that a person’s digital legacy is an important part of what they leave behind. When singer Prince died in 2016 without a will, his estate faced the challenge of managing not only his music and financial affairs, but also his extensive online presence and digital assets. Similarly, the social media accounts of celebrities such as singer David Bowie and actress Carrie Fisher have continued after their deaths, with their estates using these platforms to share memories, celebrate their work and maintain a connection with fans.
Other cases highlight the more personal and emotional side of digital legacies. Following comedian and actor Robin Williams’ death, his daughter Zelda Williams spoke about the challenges of seeing her father’s images and identity used online without sensitivity, including AI-generated content.
These examples remind us that our digital footprint is not simply about accounts and passwords – it can include memories, personal photographs and a lasting online presence that families may need to manage during an already difficult time.
Planning what happens to your digital life
You could choose to create a secure list of your important online accounts, recording where passwords can be found rather than writing them into your will. Another option is to leave a letter of wishes explaining what you would like to happen to social media accounts, digital photographs or other online assets.
Thinking about what happens to your digital life after death helps to make things a little easier for those you leave behind. Sharing your wishes for a funeral or arranging a funeral plan can provide comfort and clarity for your family. Similarly, recording your digital wishes can help them understand how you would like your memories, accounts and online presence to be managed.
Planning ahead offers peace of mind to you and your loved ones. It’s never too early to think through your digital legacy.
