Your Digital Legacy: What Happens to Your Online Life After You’re Gone?

In today’s digital age, our lives exist not just in physical spaces but across emails, social media accounts, cloud storage, and even cryptocurrency wallets. But what happens to all of this when we’re no longer here? Enter the concept of your digital legacy—the collection of your online accounts, passwords, and digital assets that remain after you pass away. If you haven’t considered what will happen to your digital presence, now is the time.

What Is a Digital Legacy?

Your digital legacy includes all of your online accounts, digital files, social media profiles, and any other web-based assets that hold personal or financial significance. This could include:

• Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Email accounts
• Online banking and investment accounts
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.)
• Subscription services (Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, etc.)
• Phone and device passwords
  

Without proper planning, loved ones may struggle to access or manage these assets after you’re gone, leading to unnecessary stress and even financial losses.

The Importance of Legacy Contacts

Many major platforms now allow users to set up legacy contacts—trusted individuals who can manage your digital accounts after your passing. These settings help ensure that your accounts are either memorialized, deleted, or accessed according to your wishes.

Legacy Contacts for Major Platforms

Facebook: Allows users to assign a Legacy Contact who can manage a memorialized profile, post tributes, and update the profile picture.

Apple (iPhone & iCloud): Apple’s Digital Legacy program lets users assign trusted contacts to access their iCloud data, including photos, messages, and documents.

Google: The Inactive Account Manager tool lets you choose what happens to your data if your account is inactive for a certain period. You can designate a contact who can download your data.

Instagram: Similar to Facebook, accounts can be memorialized or removed upon request by a verified family member.

Twitter/X & LinkedIn: These platforms allow verified family members to request account deactivation, but they do not currently offer legacy contacts.

Steps to Secure Your Digital Legacy

Taking control of your digital footprint now can save your loved ones time and emotional distress later. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Create a Digital Estate Plan – Document your online accounts, logins, and passwords in a secure location.

2. Assign Legacy Contacts – Use built-in features on platforms like Apple, Facebook, and Google to appoint a trusted person.

3. Include Digital Assets in Your Will – Work with an attorney to legally grant access to your digital assets.

4. Communicate Your Wishes – Let your family or executor know where to find your information and how you’d like your digital presence handled when you pass.

5. Use a Password Manager – Secure your digital credentials with trusted tools like LastPass, DocuBank, or 1Password. Plus, as a valued client, you can enjoy a discounted yearly fee when using DocuBank.

Why This Matters for Everyone

Think about how much of your life is online—your memories, finances, and personal messages. Without a plan, these could be lost forever or fall into the wrong hands. Taking the time to secure your digital legacy now ensures that your loved ones are not left guessing and that your wishes are honored.