Preparing for the Digital Afterlife
A Guide to Managing Digital Legacies
In today’s world, much of our lives exist online—our emails, social media accounts, digital photos, and even financial records. But what happens to these digital assets when we pass away? Without proper planning, managing a loved one’s digital legacy can be a complicated and emotional task.
By taking a few proactive steps, you can help your loved ones navigate this process smoothly. Here’s a guide to handling digital legacies, from planning ahead to managing online accounts after someone has passed.
Step 1: Plan Your Digital Will
A digital will is a document that outlines how you want your online accounts and digital assets to be managed after your death. While it is not always legally binding, it provides clear guidance to your loved ones. Your digital will should include:
A list of important digital accounts (email, social media, cloud storage, online banking, etc.).
Instructions on what should happen to each account (delete, memorialize, transfer, etc.).
A thorough inventory of your digital assets, including online financial accounts, subscriptions, and digital currencies.
The names of trusted individuals who should manage your digital assets.
Step 2: Assign Legacy Contacts and Backup Access
Many online platforms now allow you to designate a legacy contact—a trusted person who can manage your account after your passing. Here’s how it works for some major platforms:
Facebook & Instagram – You can choose a legacy contact who will be able to memorialize your account, manage tribute posts, and download content if allowed.
Apple & Google – Both offer options to set up account access for a trusted contact in the event of your passing.
LinkedIn & X (formerly Twitter) – While they don’t allow legacy contacts, they provide ways for family members to request account removal.
Email (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo!) – Each provider has different policies, so it’s best to check and document your wishes accordingly.
If a platform does not offer a legacy contact feature, consider securely storing account details with a trusted individual or a password manager.
Digital estate planning wasn’t a thing my mother passed, yet we did take steps to secure her digital legacy. Our family maintains an online photo album in tribute to her.
Step 3: Managing a Loved One’s Digital Accounts After Their Passing
If you are responsible for handling a loved one’s digital legacy, here’s what to do:
Gather Necessary Documentation
Most platforms require proof of death before making changes to an account. Have the following ready:
A death certificate (original or certified copy).
Proof of your relationship to the deceased (if required).
Any relevant legal documentation (such as power of attorney or executor status).
Notify Online Service Providers
Each platform has its own process for handling the accounts of deceased users. Here are some common options:
Memorialise – Keeps the account visible but prevents new activity (Facebook, Instagram).
Request Deletion – Permanently remove the account and its content.
Transfer or Access Data – Some services allow verified family members to download or manage the content.
Transition Email & Online Banking Accounts
Email accounts are often the key to accessing other services. If possible, secure access to the deceased’s email account to reset passwords for other important accounts.
For financial accounts, notify banks, insurance companies, and any subscription services linked to online payments to avoid unauthorized transactions.
Handle WhatsApp & Messaging Apps
If you have access to the deceased’s phone:
Do not send messages from their account. Instead, use your own phone to notify contacts.
Update the display picture and status with a memorial message or death notice if appropriate.
Deactivate the account when the time feels right. WhatsApp accounts are automatically removed after 120 days of inactivity.
Step 4: Using Digital Platforms to Honour a Loved One
Beyond administrative tasks, digital tools can be a meaningful way to celebrate a loved one’s life.
Create a Tribute Website – Websites like Forever Missed or Remembered.com allow families to collect photos, videos, and messages.
Host a Virtual Memorial – Live-streaming services help include those who can’t attend in person. YouTube and private Zoom sessions are popular choices.
Include a QR Code in the Thanksgiving Service Programme – A QR code can direct attendees to an online photo album, tribute video, or donation page in the deceased’s honour.
Charitable Giving in Their Name – Set up a recurring donation page or a GoFundMe in their memory to support a cause they were passionate about.
Social Media ‘In Memoriam’ Hashtags – A dedicated hashtag can be used for people to share memories and photos in one collective online space.
Preserving Digital Creations – If the deceased was a writer, artist, musician, or content creator, consider archiving their work online through a dedicated website, blog, or digital library.
Digital legacy management can feel overwhelming, especially in the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s passing. Instead of making all decisions at once, consider revisiting their memorial on meaningful dates, such as their birthday or the anniversary of their passing. These moments provide an opportunity to reflect, share memories, and update their tribute in a way that feels right over time.
Protecting Digital Memorials from Scammers and Bad Actors
While digital tributes are a meaningful way to honour a loved one, they can also attract bad actors who seek to exploit grief for malicious purposes. Whether it’s identity theft, online scams, or the misuse of photos, families must be mindful of what they share online and take steps to safeguard their digital memorials. Here are a few potential risks of online memorials:
Identity Theft & Fraud
Scammers may use publicly available information, such as full names, birthdates, and photos, to create fake profiles or even attempt to gain access to the deceased’s accounts. In some cases, criminals target grieving families with phishing scams, fake inheritance claims, or fraudulent requests for personal details.
Photo Misuse & Deepfakes
Once a photo is shared online, it can be copied, altered, or misused without permission. Bad actors may manipulate images using AI or deepfake technology, or use them to create fake social media profiles.
Unwanted Contact from Strangers
Public tributes may attract scammers pretending to be distant relatives or old friends looking to “reconnect” while secretly seeking financial gain or sensitive information. Some may send distressing or inappropriate messages under the guise of sympathy.
There are some proactive steps you can take to protect your loved one’s digital legasy:
Limit Personal Details in Public Posts
Avoid posting full names, birthdates, addresses, or other identifying details that could be used for fraud.
Instead of publicly announcing funeral times and locations, consider private invitations for close family and friends.
Adjust Privacy Settings
Set social media tribute posts to “Friends Only” rather than public.
If managing a memorial page, enable comment moderation to prevent unwanted messages.
Be Cautious When Sharing Photos
Consider adding a watermark to photos to prevent unauthorized use.
Avoid posting high-resolution images that could be easily downloaded or misused.
Verify and Protect Online Donations
If requesting donations in the deceased’s honour, only share links to verified platforms (e.g., official charity websites, GoFundMe pages set up by trusted family members).
Do not engage with unsolicited messages claiming to collect funds for the family.
Grieving families are motivated by love when sharing digital tributes, but unfortunately, scammers see these moments as opportunities. By being mindful of privacy settings, photo sharing, and donation security, families can protect their loved one’s memory while avoiding potential exploitation.
My Experience
While death is never an easy topic, planning for your digital afterlife is an important step in protecting your memories and making things easier for your loved ones. Whether you are planning ahead or managing a loved one’s digital presence, taking these steps can help ensure a smooth and respectful transition.
This process became deeply personal for me when my father passed away. Before his passing, we had open conversations about his digital legacy, and I took the necessary steps to ensure his online presence was handled with care. As a way to honour his memory, I created and continue to maintain a tribute website for him: lioncarloflinstead.com. This space serves as a lasting digital tribute where family and friends can reflect on his life and legacy.
Would you consider creating a digital will? Or have you had to manage a loved one’s online accounts after their passing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
