Digital Legacy: What Happens to Your Online Life?
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Planning for your digital assets alongside your estate
In today’s world, our lives are increasingly online — from treasured family photos to banking apps and social media profiles. But have you ever thought about what happens to your digital presence when you’re no longer here?
Your digital legacy is the collection of online accounts, files, and digital assets you leave behind. Planning for it is just as important as planning for your physical estate.
What Is a Digital Legacy?
A digital legacy includes:
- Email accounts
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Online banking and investments
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Digital subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Amazon)
- Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
- Personal websites, blogs, and domain names
Without guidance, family members may struggle to access or close your accounts — and important data or assets could be lost.
Why It Matters
- Emotional Closure: Loved ones may want to preserve photos or memorialise your social media.
- Security: Inactive accounts are vulnerable to hacking or fraud.
- Financial Access: Unclaimed digital assets may be lost or forgotten.
- Legal Clarity: Without clear instructions, companies may not release access — even with a Will.
What You Can Do Now
Make a Digital Inventory
List key accounts, assets, and logins (but don’t include passwords in your Will). Keep it somewhere secure, or use a digital legacy tool.
Nominate Legacy Contacts
Platforms like Facebook and Apple allow you to name someone to manage or access your account after death.
Use a Letter of Wishes
Alongside your Will, leave non-binding guidance on how you want your digital assets handled — from deleting accounts to preserving data.
Talk to Your Executors
Make sure your Executors or Trustees understand your digital footprint and how to access or manage it when the time comes.
Review Regularly
As technology evolves, update your inventory and preferences to stay current.
Example:
When Marcus passed away unexpectedly, his family couldn’t access his iCloud photos or online bank accounts. There was no digital inventory or named legacy contact. Valuable memories and financial records were locked away, creating added stress and loss during a difficult time.
Final Thoughts
Your online life is real life — and your digital legacy deserves just as much thought as your home or savings.
By planning ahead, you can protect memories, secure assets, and ease the burden on your loved ones.
Start the conversation today. A little planning can make a big difference.