1. Create an inventory of digital assets: Make a list of your digital accounts and associated email addresses or usernames. Do not include passwords in the list as this is unnecessary.
2. Use password managers: Password managers securely store an up-to-date list of your online accounts and usernames. Designate one person to access your password manager, which could be your digital executor. When completing your digital estate plan, you can reference your account list in your password manager.
3. Create a digital estate plan: Provide your fiduciaries (Digital Executor) with instructions on managing your digital assets. Include details such as whether you want the account closed or deleted or whether you want pictures, videos, or other digital assets saved or distributed to family and friends. Remember to check the policies of the companies you have accounts with to see what options are available.
4. Keep your digital estate plan in a safe location: Because it contains sensitive information, you may not want to list the details in your estate planning documents. However, you should reference it in your will or trust, including instructions on how to find it and who your digital executor will be. Work with your lawyer to ensure your digital estate plan fully integrates into your other legally binding documents.
5. Consider using an identity protection solution: These services can monitor personal information such as your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if your information is being sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
6. Set up legacy contacts: Many popular online companies, including Google, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft, allow users to configure their online accounts to ensure that they will be deleted or passed on to trusted individuals who can handle their personal information responsibly. Consult the policies of the companies you have accounts with to see what options are available.
7. Consult the policies of the companies you have accounts with: Each company will follow its privacy policy regarding handling inactive or deceased persons’ accounts. Consult these policies to understand what will happen to your accounts after you pass away.
8. Go through official channels: To ensure our digital assets are protected when we die, consider the following: create an inventory of digital assets, use password managers, create a digital estate plan, keep your digital estate plan in a safe location, consult the policies of the companies you have accounts with, and go through official channels when managing your digital assets.
9. Seek legal guidance: In cases where access to the account is needed, legal representatives or family members must seek legal guidance and may need to provide Microsoft with a valid subpoena or court order.
10. Contact companies directly: For further assistance or to request specific actions, contact Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, X, or LinkedIn directly through their Help Centers.
11. Educate yourself: Stay informed about new technologies and developments in digital estate planning by reading articles, blogs, and reports by experts in the field.
12. Protect your data and accounts: In addition to completing the steps outlined above, you can do a few additional things now to protect your data and accounts. Examples include considering using an identity theft company, setting up legacy contacts, and consulting the policies of the companies you have accounts with to understand what options are available.
13. Seek professional advice: Consult your lawyer to ensure your digital estate plan fully integrates into your other legally binding documents.
14. Plan ahead: Being owned by Facebook, Instagram has memorial and deactivation features similar to those of other companies. However, LinkedIn will not disclose data or grant any access to anyone, including family members. Plan ahead for how you want your accounts managed after you pass away.
15. Spread awareness: Let others know about digital estate planning, and encourage them to take similar measures to protect their own digital assets and legacies.
16. Collaborate with technology companies: Technology companies have a role to play in helping individuals manage their digital legacy. Encourage them to develop tools and resources that make it easier for individuals to manage their digital assets and legacies after they pass away.
17. Respect privacy policies: Each company will follow its privacy policy regarding handling inactive or deceased persons’ accounts. Respect these policies to ensure proper management of digital assets after someone passes away.
18. Prioritize peace of mind: Creating a digital estate plan and taking measures to protect digital assets and legacies can provide peace of mind to individuals and their loved ones.
19. Focus on legacy management: Being owned by Facebook, Instagram has memorial and deactivation features similar to those of other companies. However, LinkedIn will not disclose data or grant any access to anyone, including family members. Focus on legacy management to ensure the appropriate handling of digital assets after someone passes away.
20. Embrace change: As technology continues to evolve, so will the ways in which individuals manage their digital assets and legacies. Embrace change, stay informed, and adapt as necessary.
Leave a Reply