Social Media and the Digital After Life
A few articles in newspapers recently on our digital footprint highlight the digital afterlife. What actually happens to our social data once we are gone?
This is actually an interesting question and one that hasn’t been considered by users as there hasn’t really been a need. However, with increased social media and online use, this is something that all users need to consider.
The key message for users from a recent UK article is that they are being encouraged to leave behind instructions on what to do with their social information once they are gone.
The law is not keeping pace with technology and the speed of development of social media means the law is very behind in these key issues. Generally, the Internet is still a legal grey area. Recently, however, law firm Slater and Gordon introduced provisions for handling clients’ digital/online property in its standard wills.
It is estimated that individual online and social information is quite valuable. A recent survey of 3000 customers by McAfee, found that the average American leaves behind digital assets worth somewhere in the ballpark of $55,000. So what you leave behind in the form of ‘online data’ is significantly valuable to business.
Some Questions / Issues to Consider:
- Once you die, if you have a significant online presence your family and friends could receive unnecessary reminders of a recent death (i.e birthday reminders)
- Digital legacies could pose potentially harmful security issues (i.e. financial direct debits continue to leave the account until frozen by the provision of a death certificate)
- Social media profiles contain a wealth of sensitive personal information which could go unchecked
- What happens to all the family photos? These days photos are taken from an iPhone and uploaded onto Facebook. There is no hard copy and neither is it stored on a hard drive.
Although it is not a positive topic, moving forward it is important people consider their digital existence when they pass away. Not only do you need to consider your social media platforms, there are email accounts, online banking and so on. As we continue to put more of our lives online, it is crucial to have a plan about your online after life.
Would love to hear your thoughts…..
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