We live in an age where most of our lives are spent online, leaving behind a digital footprint of our social media profiles and cloud storage filled with photos and other personal information such as online banking. All of this information can remain online for much longer than our lifespan. With this being something often not considered in our Wills, what can we do to take control of our digital legacy once we have passed to make things easier for those we have left behind?
What is a Digital Legacy?
Your digital legacy is generally anything that is not physically stored. This may include personal assets like our social media profiles, email accounts, photos and videos, or any other personal files. Other digital assets may be financial, such as online banking, cryptocurrencies and other types of digital investments.
The Importance of Digital Asset Planning
A digital legacy is something that not everyone is familiar with. We often make arrangements for what happens to our physical assets when we die, but what is often missed is all of the content and data that is stored online or on our digital devices.
Not properly planning our digital legacy can create challenges for those that we leave behind and could risk losing valuable information forever.
How to Plan Your Digital Legacy
When considering your physical assets in your Will, it can be helpful to also think about your digital assets and what you would like to happen to them after you die.
1. Think about creating a list of all the online accounts that you have. Include the details that are required to access these accounts, such as your username or account ID and the password that you have set. It is important that you keep this up to date as your account details can frequently change. Make sure that this information is kept in a safe and secure place.
2. You may wish to appoint a digital executor. This can be set out in your Will specifically or may be tied in with the role of your executors. Ensuring that you have mentioned this in your Will means that you have given this responsibility to someone that you trust. It also means that someone is aware of where you store important information, such as your account details.
3. Discuss with your family and friends what you would like to happen to your digital assets so that, when the time comes, they know your wishes and how to manage your affairs.
4. Consider what you would like to happen to your social media accounts. The responsibility of handling this can fall to your digital executor. Social media platforms allow for your account to be deleted, or set up as a memorial page for example.
Conclusion
Taking a proactive approach to digital legacy planning will make things less challenging for our loved ones once we have passed. In ensuring that we have taken the right steps, we minimise the risk of losing important personal data that can be found online or on our digital devices. Considering what you would like to happen to your digital assets and how you would like to manage your digital affairs, will provide invaluable information to your loved ones.
