When planning for the future, it’s important to consider not just physical belongings but also digital assets and online presence, collectively known as a “digital legacy.”
A digital legacy refers to the digital content and accounts you leave behind, such as media, passwords, and social media profiles, which can have significant implications for those handling your affairs after death.
Digital assets encompass things like books, movies, games, music, domain names, and even financial accounts or online platforms like PayPal and Amazon. However, ownership can be tricky; in many cases, you don’t own digital items outright but rather have a license to use them during your lifetime, and the terms can vary greatly between platforms. It’s crucial to understand the licensing agreements of your digital purchases and whether these can be transferred or inherited by others after you die.
Equally important is your digital presence, which consists of your social media profiles, email accounts, photos, and online messages. These can be meaningful for loved ones, but it’s essential to decide how you’d like your online identity managed. Some platforms allow you to set up a “legacy contact” or choose to memorialise your accounts, allowing friends and family to access your posts and memories without the ability to make changes.
To manage your digital legacy effectively, it’s advisable to make a plan similar to how you would handle a physical estate. Documenting access codes, passwords, and digital asset details securely is essential. You may want to consult a lawyer, just as you would for your will, and consider using online services to handle account closures on your behalf.
If a loved one passes without specific digital legacy instructions, their accounts may be difficult to manage. In these cases, a death certificate is usually required to gain access or shut down their digital accounts.
Preparing for your digital legacy helps prevent complications and identity theft, ensuring your wishes are respected and your family has a clear guide.
Click on the following link from the eSafety Commissionner of the Australian Government to access useful information about this topic and relevant links to get you started: What happens to your digital accounts after you die