Your Digital Life
Your Digital Footprint After Death
Our lives are increasingly becoming digital. Everything from where we receive our news to how we shop involves a username and password or an account. Below is a sample list of what the average person’s digital life might look like:
- Email: Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL…
- Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Snapchat…
- Career: LinkedIn, Monster, About, Tumblr, WordPress…
- Communication: Verizon, AT&T, Viber, Skype…
- Media: Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Dropbox, Google Drive, Netflix, Hulu …
- Necessities: Amazon, Walgreens, eBay, Target, Online Grocers…
- Bills: Utilities, Mortgage, Auto, Mint, Paypal…
- Travel: Airline miles, Hotel bonus points, Hotels.com, Hotwire, Orbitz, Uber…
- Dating Life: eHarmony, Plenty of Fish, Tinder…
- Entertainment: Groupon, Grubhub, Stubhub, Ticketmaster…
What happens to social media accounts and email accounts after death? Most of our family members are left to sort out the various terms and conditions (T&Cs) agreements of each separate account to either access the account or shut it down.
Why Do I Need a Digital Archive?
Passwords and usernames should not be included in a Will since that is a public document. Passing on passwords to family members is an option, but when is the right time and what if they access accounts while you are still alive? Security and privacy is a concern for many; however, sharing passwords with family members may not be enough. Also consider sharing answers to the security questions. Many times family members are managing this from their homes, and security questions become just as important as the login credentials. In addition, share how to access devices, such as smart phones, laptops and tablets.
What are My Digital Footprint Options?
- Use applications like a password manager to record your login credentials. Also, create a list of all your on-line identities, so when the time comes, loved ones will know what needs to be taken care of.
- Use a technical solution like My Life and Wishes to keep this information in a safe, encrypted digital space, that gives family members permission to access this information when the time comes.
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