In today’s world, our lives are deeply woven into the digital realm. From email and social media to online banking, streaming subscriptions, and cloud storage, we accumulate accounts and assets that outlive our daily use. Planning for what will happen to these digital footprints is as essential as planning for tangible property. A digital legacy plan ensures that your online presence, data, and personal treasures are cared for according to your wishes.
Taking Stock of Your Digital Life
The first step is to understand the scope of your digital presence. Most people are surprised at how many accounts and assets they manage. This may include:
- Social media profiles and email accounts
- Online banking, bill payment systems, and investment platforms
- Digital photo and video collections
- Domain names, blogs, or online businesses
- Subscriptions and cloud storage
Equally important is keeping track of how you access them—usernames, authentication devices, and backup codes.
Deciding the Fate of Each Asset
Not all digital accounts should meet the same end. Some can be closed, while others may carry sentimental or financial value.
- Personal memories such as photos or journals may be archived or shared.
- Professional tools or online businesses may need to be transferred.
- Social media accounts can sometimes be memorialized instead of deleted.
Many platforms provide tools to guide these choices. For example:
- Google allows you to decide what happens to your account after a period of inactivity through its Data & Privacy settings.
- Facebook enables you to appoint a legacy contact or request memorialization of your account. More details can be found on its Memorialization page.
Taking the time to review these settings ensures your preferences are respected.
Appointing a Digital Executor
Carrying out your wishes requires someone you trust. A digital executor is tasked with managing your online assets.
- This may be the same person as your estate executor or someone chosen specifically for the role.
- Ideally, this is a person who is both trustworthy and comfortable with technology.
Documenting Your Instructions
Your digital plan should be written clearly, but with privacy and security in mind.
- Do not place sensitive details (like passwords or private keys) in your will. Wills become public documents.
- Instead, use a secure password manager or locked physical location for credentials.
- Your will can reference the plan to give it legal weight, while keeping details private.
Keeping Your Plan Current
Technology changes rapidly. Best practices include:
- Review your digital plan at least once a year.
- Update your digital plan whenever you add new accounts or assets.
- Make sure your executor’s contact information remains accurate.
Considering Legal Complexities
The law around digital assets is still evolving, and access can vary depending on the state or platform. For valuable or complex holdings, consult an attorney with experience in digital estate planning.
The Value of Planning Ahead
At its heart, digital legacy planning is an act of care. It:
- Spares your loved ones the frustration of losing access to your accounts
- Protects your privacy and financial security
- Preserves your memories and identity in the digital world
By taking these steps now—and using platform tools such as Google’s Data & Privacy settings and Facebook’s Memorialization options—you can ensure that your online presence aligns with your values and remains protected long after you are gone.
