Imagine a world where your family and friends can still see the pictures, memories, and online projects you made before you died. This is the power of digital estate, which is a plan for what will happen to your online identity after you die.
In the same way that a traditional will spells out your wishes for your tangible belongings, a digital legacy protects your digital assets and makes sure they are treated the way you want them to be. You can leave a complete digital inheritance that gives you and your family peace of mind if you get the right estate help.
Why should you plan for your digital legacy?
We use the internet a lot these days. We store private files like photos, emails, bank accounts, and social media accounts online.
They hold emotional value and can be very helpful for friends and family who are still suffering after a loss. They might be deleted, locked, or even used in a bad way if you do not have a plan.
What happens to your digital assets without a plan?
There are guidelines on most services about what to do when a user dies. You can “memorialize” an account, which means that no one else can use it, but family and friends can still see the information.
Some people may close their accounts for good. The main point is that if you do not have a plan, you can not guard your digital record.
What are the steps you can take to secure your digital legacy?
Make sure that your online presence follows your wishes after you are gone by following these steps:
- Make a list of your digital assets.
Make a list of all the online accounts you have, such as email, social media, bank accounts, blogs, online storage services (like Dropbox and Google Drive), and online memberships. Put your usernames, passwords, and security questions somewhere safe, like a password manager app or a protected document.
- Choose a digital executor.
Trust someone, preferably someone who is good with technology, to take care of your digital belongings. Tell them your ideas and what you want. Some systems let you choose a “legacy contact” in your account settings.
- Tell people what you want.
Talk to your administrator and family about your digital heritage. Do you want certain names to be remembered or deleted? Should certain pictures or records be kept? Clear conversation keeps things simple and makes sure that your needs are met.
Understand your options with different platforms and their policies.
Different sites have different rules about what to do when a person dies. It is important to get to know their unique processes. Take a look at the table below for a quick summary:
| Platform | Possible Options |
| Social media platforms (like Facebook and Instagram) | Memorialize the account (preserves the content and prevents activity) |
| Close the account or forward it to a designated recipient | |
| Financial institutions | Close the account or transfer the ownership (depending on the type of account) |
| Online storage platforms | Close the account or transfer the ownership |
Protect your digital assets from fraud.
Keeping your digital heritage safe is more than just keeping track of your accounts. Here are some more helpful tips:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This makes your online accounts safer by adding an extra layer of security that makes them harder to hack.
- Check your account permissions: Make sure you check your privacy settings often and restrict access to data you do not want shared with the public.
- Think about using a service to manage your digital assets: These services can make a list of your assets, keep your login information safe, and give you advice on how to handle your digital estate.
You can make sure that your digital legacy shows what you stand for and keeps your family safe from problems by being cautious. Your online profile lets people know more about you and your story. If you plan for its future, it can continue to bring comfort and a sense of relationship to the people you leave behind.
