“In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” — Benjamin Franklin.

 

In2012, I experienced the sudden loss of a cherished friend and colleague. I have referred to his untimely departure in past writings; he was only thirty-five and an exceptionally talented illustrator with whom I had the privilege to collaborate. Although he had been ill, his passing came as a profound shock. Like many, he maintained profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook (now Meta). Following his death, it became a surreal and unsettling experience for his friends and family to encounter his digital presence on these platforms, as though he were still among us.

I particularly recall the unsettling experience of trying to leave Facebook and receiving messages suggesting my deceased friend would miss me.

This prompted me to contact his sister in Chicago to see if we could stop these distressing notifications from Facebook and, while we were at it, address his LinkedIn account as well. We were astounded by the numerous obstacles we faced just to speak to someone who could assist us. Eventually, his LinkedIn profile was removed, but it took months, highlighting the unnecessary complexity of the process.

This experience raises important questions for all of us with a digital presence and assets: have we considered what happens to our online selves after we pass away?

 

Contemplating our own mortality is inherently discomforting, yet it is a subject that necessitates a thoughtful approach, sprinkled occasionally with a dash of sarcasm. What happens to our digital profiles when we die? In fact what happens to the myriad digital assets in our eventual passing This is a question I have recently began to think abut given I have income producing digital assets. I must be honest: as someone with asthma, I feared for my life during the pandemic. In Canada, where we experienced one of the longest quarantines, many of us confronted the reality of our mortality.

This period led to a significant shift in our lives towards digital spaces, expanding our online presence and redefining our engagement with digital technology.

Many of my friends, adapting to these times, launched online side businesses. These ventures have grown into significant digital assets, which they now wish to secure and pass on in the event of their passing, compounded by governmental regulations that required government ID to sit in, even at a Starbucks.

Yes! Facts. Take out was one thing, occupying a table was quite another. I cannot unexperienced this personal intrusion of my healthcare data.

 

Beyond the screen: future of our digital legacies

Our online presence extends far beyond mere social media profiles. From digital art collections and cryptocurrency holdings to online businesses and blogs, our digital footprints are vast and varied. But without proper planning, these assets can become digital ghosts, wandering the internet with no one at the helm.

A recent study conducted by McAfee revealed that the average Canadian person has nearly $35,000 worth of assets stored on digital devices, which includes items like personal memories, photos, videos, and even important financial information. Yet, despite the significant value tied up in these digital assets, many of us fail to consider their fate after we die.

The issue of digital legacy is becoming increasingly complex. For instance, platforms like Facebook and Google have introduced legacy contact features, allowing users to designate someone to manage their account posthumously. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Legal frameworks surrounding digital inheritance are still evolving, making it crucial for individuals to take proactive steps in planning their digital afterlife.

So, what can be done?

Disclaimer: though I work currently in the wider space of Finance, primarily Insurance Strategy, this is not professional advise but rather my own proposals of how you can start. Personally, I have a little black book I plan to share with my kids. It contains a subset of information and directions that includes:

1. Inventory of digital assets

Begin by cataloguing every element of your digital presence. This should include all your online accounts such as email, social media, financial services, and subscription services, as well as digital files like documents, photos, and videos. Don’t overlook digital assets like cryptocurrency, online store credits, or any virtual property. This comprehensive list will serve as the foundation for managing your digital legacy.

2. Access credentials documentation:

For each digital asset listed, compile access information including usernames, passwords, and security questions. Consider utilizing a secure digital tool like a password manager to store this information. This step ensures that your digital executor or a trusted individual can access your accounts without legal hurdles or unnecessary delays.

3. Integration into estate planning

Extend your traditional estate planning to include digital assets. This could involve drafting a separate digital will or integrating digital directives into your existing will. Appoint a digital executor — someone who is tech-savvy and trustworthy — to carry out your wishes concerning your digital estate. Ensure they understand the scope of their responsibilities and have access to your inventory of digital assets and access credentials.

4. Understanding and navigating terms of service

Familiarize yourself with the terms of service for each of your online accounts. These agreements often dictate what happens to digital assets upon death, including whether they can be transferred or accessed by others. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about each asset and adapt your digital legacy plan accordingly.

5. Personal legacy and digital memory

Reflect on your digital footprint and how you wish to be remembered online. Make decisions about which parts of your digital life should be preserved, archived, or deleted. This might involve instructions for memorializing social media profiles, preserving digital photo albums, or deleting sensitive personal data. Your digital legacy is an extension of your personal legacy, so consider how your online presence aligns with how you want to be remembered.

Asour lives become increasingly digitized, it’s imperative that we extend our estate planning into the digital realm. By taking steps today, we can ensure our digital legacies are handled according to our wishes, providing peace of mind for ourselves and our loved ones. As the digital age progresses, let us not forget to plan for our digital afterlife, ensuring our online selves are treated with the same respect and dignity as our physical selves.