In today’s interconnected world, our digital lives are as significant as our physical ones. From social media profiles to online banking, the assets and accounts we manage online hold great value and meaning. Yet, many overlook the importance of planning for their digital legacy. What happens to your online presence when you pass away? At Dils Funeral Services, we guide families through this evolving aspect of end-of-life planning to ensure their digital footprints are handled with care and respect.

Understanding the Importance of a Digital Legacy

When a loved one passes away, their digital presence remains—social media accounts, email, subscriptions, and cloud storage don’t automatically disappear. Without clear instructions, these accounts can create complications for grieving families. By planning your digital legacy, you provide clarity and prevent difficulties for those managing your estate.

What Is a Digital Legacy?

A digital legacy refers to the online assets, accounts, and content left behind after someone passes away. This includes:

  • Social media profiles (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Email accounts
  • Financial platforms (e.g., online banking, PayPal)
  • Cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud)
  • Subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Spotify)
  • Online stores or marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, eBay)

Planning your digital legacy ensures that these assets are handled according to your wishes.

Steps to Protect and Manage Your Digital Legacy

1. Create a Comprehensive Digital Inventory

The first step in managing your digital legacy is to identify all your online accounts and assets. List each account along with its login details, including usernames and passwords. While it may seem overwhelming, this list is vital for streamlining the process for your loved ones.

Include:

  • Social media accounts
  • Email addresses
  • Banking and investment platforms
  • Subscriptions and memberships
  • Cloud storage systems
  • Any other digital services you use

2. Assign a Digital Executor

Just as you appoint an executor for your physical estate, you can designate a digital executor to manage your online presence. This person should be trustworthy and tech-savvy, as they will handle tasks like closing accounts, retrieving important information, and securing sensitive data.

Discuss your wishes with your digital executor to ensure they understand their role and responsibilities.

3. Set Up Legacy Contacts for Social Media

Many platforms now allow users to manage their digital legacy through legacy contacts or account settings. These features give you control over what happens to your accounts after you pass.

  • Facebook: Assign a legacy contact who can memorialise your account, manage tributes, and delete the profile if desired.
  • Instagram: Memorialise your account by providing proof of death to Instagram’s support team.
  • Google: Use the Inactive Account Manager to designate a trusted person who can access or delete your account after inactivity.

By using these tools, you can ensure your accounts are handled in line with your wishes.

4. Leave Clear Instructions

Document your preferences for each account in your will or a separate digital legacy plan. Specify which accounts should be closed, which should be memorialised, and what should happen to digital assets like photos or videos stored online.

For example:

  • Request the deletion of sensitive financial accounts.
  • Preserve cloud-stored family photos and videos for future generations.
  • Archive email accounts for legal or sentimental reasons.

Ensure your digital executor has access to this document to execute your wishes.

5. Secure Your Information

Security is paramount when dealing with digital assets. Use a password manager to store all your login details securely. Share access to this password manager with your digital executor, so they can easily manage your accounts. Regularly update your passwords to enhance security.

6. Consider Legal Implications

In New Zealand, digital assets are not yet comprehensively addressed in inheritance laws. However, outlining your wishes in a will can still provide guidance for your family and executor. Discuss your digital legacy with a legal professional to ensure your plans are legally enforceable.

Why Planning Your Digital Legacy Matters

Failing to plan for your digital legacy can create challenges for your loved ones. Unresolved accounts may lead to:

  • Identity theft or fraud
  • Missed opportunities to retrieve sentimental content
  • Legal and financial complications for your estate

Planning ahead not only protects your personal information but also provides your family with clarity and peace of mind during a difficult time.

How Dils Funeral Services Can Help

At Dils Funeral Services, we understand the complexities of navigating grief and modern challenges like digital legacies. Our team is here to provide compassionate support and practical advice to help families manage both the emotional and logistical aspects of loss.

Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with planning your digital legacy as part of our comprehensive funeral services. Together, we can ensure that your online presence is managed with dignity and respect, leaving your loved ones with a lasting legacy of care.