Managing Social Media and Online Accounts After a Loved One’s Death

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience, made more complex by the digital age in which we live. In the past, when a person passed away, their legacy lived on through physical objects, photographs, and memories.

Today, much of a person’s life is documented through social media profiles. As a result, managing the digital afterlife has become an important consideration for families, friends, and executors of estates.

In Australia, managing online accounts and social media profiles after death requires thoughtfulness, sensitivity and understanding of legal and ethical guidelines. This article provides an overview of the steps to take when handling the social media accounts and online presence of a loved one after they have passed.

Understanding Digital Footprints

With the rise of social media platforms, many people now leave extensive digital footprints behind. These platforms store everything from everyday posts to significant life events and often serve as a reflection of one’s identity. When a person dies, their online presence can create complications for grieving loved ones who may not know how to proceed with the deceased’s accounts.

There are also practical and emotional factors to consider. For some, social media profiles can serve as a place for remembrance and a way to maintain a connection with the deceased. For others, the presence of these accounts may feel like an unwelcoming reminder of loss, and they may want to close or delete them.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upon learning of a loved one’s death, there are immediate actions that need to be taken to manage their online accounts:

Notify Platforms About the Death

Each social media platform has its own policy for dealing with accounts after death. It’s essential to contact the company directly to notify them of the passing. Here’s a quick guide to some of the major platforms:

• Facebook: You can request either memorialisation (where the account remains visible as a memorial) or deactivation (where the account is permanently deleted). Memorialised accounts are preserved with the word “Remembering” next to the person’s name and can allow friends and family to post memories. To memorialise an account, you need to provide proof of death (e.g., a death certificate).
• Instagram: Instagram, which is owned by Facebook (Meta), follows similar guidelines. You can either request memorialisation or account deletion. Instagram also allows you to request a tribute account, where you can preserve the profile for remembrance.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn allows family members or legal representatives to request the closure of the account by providing proof of death. They do not offer memorialisation services like Facebook or Instagram.
• X: X’s policy is to deactivate the account upon request. They will ask for a copy of the death certificate or other documentation to proceed with deactivation.

Secure Accounts

If you are responsible for managing the deceased’s affairs, one of your first tasks should be securing all online accounts to prevent any unauthorised access. This includes changing passwords or logging out of accounts on all devices. If the person had an online banking or financial presence, securing those accounts is critical to prevent identity theft.

Many people use password managers to store their login details, so if the deceased used one, access should be granted to the person managing their estate.

Check for Pending Financial Transactions

Review all the deceased’s online services (such as shopping subscriptions, streaming services, and online banking) for any pending payments or subscriptions that may need to be cancelled or transferred. It’s important to ensure that these services are closed or transitioned appropriately.

Deciding What to Do with the Accounts

Once the immediate tasks are managed, you’ll need to decide how to handle the deceased’s accounts in the long term. There are several options, each of which comes with its own considerations.

• Memorialisation: For many people, keeping a loved one’s social media profile active as a memorial provides comfort. Memorialised accounts allow friends and family to visit the profile, post messages, share memories, and keep the person’s memory alive. Memorialisation also prevents any further activity on the account, ensuring that no one posts inappropriately or fraudulently.
• Account Deletion: Some people may prefer to have the accounts permanently deleted, as it may feel like a more appropriate way to close that chapter. Deleting an account may also prevent the collection of personal data or photos that the deceased did not intend to be made public. If the person had a will, it’s important to refer to it for instructions regarding their digital legacy.
• Legacy Contact: Some social media platforms, such as Facebook, allow users to appoint a “legacy contact” who can manage their account after they die. This person can update the profile, approve friend requests, and manage posts. It’s a good idea to ensure that any specific wishes for online accounts are documented ahead of time. If no legacy contact was designated, it may be necessary for an executor or next of kin to take on this responsibility.
• Content Management: In some cases, people may have specific content (photos, blogs, videos) that they would like preserved or shared. Before deleting any accounts, it’s worth reviewing the content stored on the accounts. Download or transfer any valuable data (e.g., photos, blog posts, videos) to a safe place. Many social media platforms allow you to download the data associated with an account.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

In Australia, the legal management of digital assets after death is still evolving. Some of the key considerations include:

• Legal Rights to Access Accounts: Under Australian law, digital assets like social media accounts are generally considered personal property. But, accessing a deceased person’s accounts without their explicit permission may violate privacy laws. To avoid this, it’s advisable to check the terms and conditions of the relevant platforms and, if necessary, seek legal advice.
• Wills and Digital Assets: Many people overlook the importance of including their digital assets in their will. With more of our lives now lived online, it’s important to explicitly state how you want your digital presence managed after death. This can help your executor understand your wishes and reduce any confusion or legal issues down the line.
• Cybersecurity: Be mindful of cybersecurity risks when managing the digital accounts of a deceased person. Scammers and hackers often target family members of the deceased to gain access to their information. Always follow best practices for protecting online accounts, including enabling two-factor authentication where possible.

The Role of the Executor

The executor of a will must manage the deceased’s estate, which may now include digital assets. This responsibility can include deciding whether to memorialise or delete social media accounts, transferring ownership of digital content, and ensuring that digital assets are distributed according to the person’s wishes.

Before a loved one passes, it’s helpful to have a conversation about their digital legacy. Ask them about any accounts they want preserved, who they want to manage them, and what their preferences are for their online presence.

Conclusion

If you have any questions regarding managing the social media accounts of a loved one then get in touch and we will be happy to help. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to guide you through the process.