LONDON — Many individuals have amassed a vast collection of data throughout their lives, including selfies, emails, videos, and more, stored across various social media and digital platforms. But what becomes of this digital footprint after one passes away?
It’s essential to not only prepare a will outlining the distribution of your physical belongings but to also consider your digital assets. While your loved ones may want to cherish the files and posts you leave behind, there is a risk that this important data could become unreachable without taking a few proactive measures.
For those using Apple products, setting up a “legacy contact” can be an effective way to ensure someone can access your account posthumously. This feature allows a designated individual to retrieve data such as photos, files, and messages after your death. To establish this, you will need a device operating on iOS or iPadOS version 15.2 or later, or macOS Monterey version 12.1 or later. Users can set this up by navigating to Settings, selecting Sign-in & Security, and then choosing Legacy Contact. You can appoint multiple people, and they aren’t required to have an Apple device or account. Once designated, you must provide them with an access key, which can be shared digitally or in print. Note, however, that certain files, like those protected by digital rights or saved passwords, cannot be shared, and access lasts for only three years following your passing before the account is deleted by Apple.
Google offers a different method via its Inactive Account Manager. This feature enables users to determine how long Google should wait—between three to 18 months—after detecting inactivity on an account before notifying selected individuals. Up to ten contacts can be informed and given instructions to download specific data types like emails, photos, or calendar entries. There’s also an option that allows you to delete the account after three months of inactivity, requiring your contacts to act before the deadline.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram allow for account memorialization upon the request of family or friends after a user has passed away. The company, Meta, recommends appointing a legacy contact for Facebook that can manage the memorial account by accepting friend requests and updating posts. However, they cannot read private messages or alter past posts. If preferred, family members or executors can request account deletion by providing necessary documentation, including a death certificate.
On TikTok, if a user has passed away, requests can be submitted to memorialize the account through the app’s settings. This will mark the account as “Remembering,” preventing any new activity such as posting or messaging, as no one will be able to log into the account.
Elon Musk’s platform, X, does not support the option to appoint a legacy contact. However, relatives or authorized individuals may request the deactivation of a deceased user’s account.
In addition to these major platforms, countless other online accounts may exist that your loved ones may need to access. Rather than writing down your passwords in a notebook—which comes with risks of loss or unauthorized access—consider utilizing a password manager with an emergency access feature. Password managers securely store your login information and, depending on the service used (like Keeper, Bitwarden, or NordPass), may allow you to assign trusted contacts access in emergency situations, including death. Keep in mind that these contacts typically need to have the same password manager, and there may be associated costs.
Preparedness is key to ensuring your digital legacy is handled properly after you’re gone. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your digital assets are accessible to those you care about most.