Most people have no plan for digital assets upon death, Which? warns
The consumer group said it leaves assets at risk of being lost.
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Most people have no plan for what happens to their digital accounts and other online assets when they die, leaving photos and social media accounts at risk of being inaccessible to loved ones, consumer group Which? has warned.
Which? is urging people to prepare a digital plan so that it is clearer what should happen to their online footprint.
According to research from the group, more than three-quarters of people (76%) have no plan for what should be done with their digital assets after they have died, and less than one in five (18%) plan to leave directions on how to access their accounts, while only 3% have included provisions in their will.
Which? said the issue could be particularly relevant to social media accounts that produce an income, as it can be a “grey area” as to what happens to that money when the account user dies.
It said while royalties can traditionally be gifted in an estate, digital assets may not be considered as royalties.
The consumer group said social media platform user agreements often contain details about what will happen on the death of someone who is sharing revenue with them, and it encouraged the public to check and plan for this if it is relevant to them.
The group warned it can be difficult to access someone else’s account if no digital legacy plan is in place, noting some online firms require a court order to access personal files, while others require proof of death and that someone else is the deceased’s lawful representative.
Which? said it is advising users to share account details with loved ones before they die, and to consider including a letter of wishes, facilitating access to digital accounts and assets, alongside their will.
Harry Rose, Which? magazine editor, said: “Our latest research throws into sharp relief the lack of planning the vast majority of people have done for what happens to their digital assets when they die.
“Whether it’s handing over sentimental assets such as photos, or simply enabling a loved one to close down your social media accounts, we strongly advise consumers to put a plan in place.
“Which? is also calling for the Government and tech companies to make the process of handing over digital assets much easier so that it is much clearer what people need to do, and to help ease the pressure during some of the most stressful times of their lives.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.