In times of digitization, in addition to traditional funeral prenned, the regulation of the digital estate is becoming increasingly important. More and more personal data, photos and memories are stored digitally and leave behind a virtual estate in the event of death. But what happens to this data after death? And what steps are necessary to sensibly regulate the digital estate? In this article, we give you an overview of the most important aspects.
What is part of the digital estate?
The digital estate includes all data and accounts that are stored online or left on digital devices. These include:
- Social media profiles (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Email accounts and messaging services (e.g. WhatsApp)
- Online storage and cloud services (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Photo and video platforms (e.g. Flickr, YouTube)
- Online shopping and payment services (e.g. Amazon, PayPal)
- User accounts for streaming services, games, and apps
- Your own websites or blogs
- Digital collections (e.g. e-books, music, films)
This list shows how extensive the digital estate can be and how important it is to take early precautions.
Why is the regulation of the digital estate important?
The regulation of the digital estate is important for several reasons:
- Personal rights: Even after death, there is the right to informational self-determination. By making an early decision, you can determine what should be done with your personal data.
- Data protection: Many online services and accounts contain sensitive data that must be protected. A digital estate regulation ensures that this data does not fall into the wrong hands.
- Access for relatives: It can be difficult or impossible for relatives to gain access to important data or accounts after death. A precaution makes access easier and avoids legal hurdles.
- Avoiding conflicts: If the digital estate is not regulated, conflicts can arise among relatives, for example when it comes to deleting or receiving accounts.
- Finances and contracts: Online shopping accounts, payment services or current contracts are also part of the digital estate and must be regulated in order to avoid financial disadvantages for heirs.
What steps are necessary to settle the digital estate?
In order to properly regulate the digital estate, the following steps are recommended as part of funeral planning:
- Ptocktaking: Get an overview of all existing online accounts, contracts, and digital data. Create a list with the appropriate login details.
- Decision on whereabouts: Decide what should happen with the individual accounts and data after you die. Should profiles be deleted, memorialized or continued by relatives?
- Name a trusted person: Name a trusted person who will have access to the data in the event of death and implement your wishes. This can also be the executor or a digital estate administrator.
- Power of attorney and instructions: Give the person of trust a legally secure power of attorney to access the data and provide specific instructions on how to handle the digital estate.
- Safe storage: Keep the list of login details, power of attorney and instructions in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or with a notary. Inform the trusted person of the storage location.
- Upgrading: Check and update the regulations made regularly, for example when login details change or new accounts are added.
By taking these steps, you ensure that your digital estate is handled as you wish and that your personal information remains protected.
Tools and services to manage the digital estate
There are various tools and services that can help you manage your digital estate:
- Password manager: Services such as LastPass or 1Password allow you to securely manage and share login information.
- Funeral home: Some funeral homes help with the regulation of the digital estate, from data collection to the filing of powers of attorney.
- Social media settings: Some social networks, such as Facebook or Google, offer their own functions for setting estate contacts or deleting accounts in the event of death.
A combination of these tools and services can make managing the digital estate easier and more secure.
Conclusion
The regulation of the digital estate is an important aspect of modern funeral provision. By addressing the issue at an early stage, you ensure that your personal data and accounts are handled in accordance with your wishes and that your relatives are supported in the event of death. A structured approach and the use of suitable tools and services make implementation easier. Don't be afraid to start settling the digital estate — the earlier you make provisions, the more security and relief you create for yourself and your loved ones.
We would be happy to advise you on the digital estate and assist you in clarifying and resolving all questions and outstanding issues. Just give us a call.
