Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience, and in the digital age, it can also create complicated issues regarding online presence. With millions of people actively using social media platforms, it’s common for a deceased person’s social media accounts to remain active, sometimes for years after their passing. As an executor or family member, you may find yourself in a position where you need to manage or delete the social media profiles of a deceased relative. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle the situation, including how to access, manage, or delete these accounts in a respectful and legally compliant manner.
- Understand the Legal and Privacy Implications
Before taking any action on a deceased person’s social media accounts, it’s essential to understand the privacy and legal implications. Social media platforms have specific policies regarding the accounts of deceased users, and these rules vary depending on the platform. As the representative of the deceased person’s estate or a close family member, you may need legal authorization (such as a death certificate or proof of power of attorney) to access or delete the account.
- Locate the Login Credentials
To access a deceased relative’s social media accounts, you’ll first need to locate their login credentials. This can be the most difficult step if the individual did not share their account information before passing away. Here are some ways to gather the necessary details:
- Password Manager: If your relative used a password manager (such as LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden), check if their login credentials are stored there. Some devices even have a passwords app that may contain the details you’re looking for.
- Personal Devices: If your relative had a computer, tablet, or smartphone, there might be saved login credentials in their browser or apps.
- Trusted Contacts: In some cases, close family members or friends may have been given access to the deceased person’s accounts or may know their passwords.
- Social Media Account Recovery: If you’re unable to find the login details, many platforms offer account recovery options, such as recovering passwords through email or phone numbers. However, without access to those accounts, this step may not be possible.
- Contact the Social Media Platform
If you cannot access the account or if the login details are unavailable, the next step is to reach out to the platform itself. Major social media companies have dedicated processes for handling accounts of deceased users:
- Facebook: Facebook allows you to either memorialise or delete an account. To memorialise an account, you can submit a request with proof of death (such as a death certificate). Memorialised accounts are marked with a “Remembering” tag, and only confirmed friends can post on the profile. If you want to permanently delete the account, Facebook also provides the option to do so.
- Instagram: Instagram is owned by Facebook, so it follows similar protocols for deceased users. You can either request memorialisation or account deletion. Instagram requires a verified death certificate and proof of your relationship with the deceased to process the request.
- Twitter (X): X allows you to request account deletion, but they do not offer memorialisation. The process requires submitting a request to X’s support team with proof of death, typically a death certificate.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn offers options to close a deceased person’s account. You can either close the account or request a memorialisation if you’re a close family member. To initiate this process, you’ll need to provide the deceased’s name, LinkedIn profile URL, and a death certificate.
- Google (Gmail, YouTube, etc.): Google has an “Inactive Account Manager” feature that allows users to set instructions for their account after a certain period of inactivity. If your relative did not set this up, you will need to contact Google Support to gain access. Google requires proof of death and might provide options such as account deletion or transferring ownership.
- Decide Whether to Memorialise or Delete the Account
Once you’ve gained access to the account, you’ll need to decide whether to memorialise or delete the profile.
- Memorialisation: Memorialising an account ensures that the profile remains as a digital tribute to the deceased. This option is available on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Memorialised accounts typically cannot be changed, and only verified friends or family can interact with the content. Some may prefer this option to honor the deceased’s memory.
- Deletion: Deleting an account removes all traces of the profile from the platform. This is a more permanent step, and once the account is deleted, it cannot be restored. Deletion may be more appropriate for individuals who did not wish to have a digital presence after their death or if you believe maintaining the account would cause emotional distress to loved ones.
- Consider a Digital Legacy or Estate Plan for the Future
While dealing with a deceased relative’s social media presence can feel overwhelming, it’s worth considering how digital assets should be handled in the future. Some people now include instructions for their online accounts and digital assets as part of their will or estate plan. You might want to encourage family members to think ahead and set up a plan for their digital presence after death. This can include:
- Designating a Digital Executor: Some individuals appoint someone to manage their digital assets upon their passing, including social media profiles.
- Using Password Managers: By using password managers with shared access, individuals can ensure their loved ones will be able to manage their digital accounts in the event of their death.
- Creating Digital Legacy Instructions: It’s increasingly common for people to leave instructions regarding their digital life, including social media preferences, digital banking, and online subscriptions.
- Handle the Situation with Sensitivity and Respect
When dealing with a deceased relative’s online presence, it’s important to approach the situation with sensitivity. Social media platforms are often a reflection of the person’s life, and the way their accounts are handled can have a profound emotional impact on family members and friends. Consider discussing the options with other close family members to ensure everyone’s wishes are respected.
Conclusion
Handling a deceased loved one’s social media accounts can be a challenging and emotional process, but it is also necessary for respecting their privacy and legacy. Whether you decide to memorialise or delete their profiles, it’s important to follow the proper procedures on each platform and to approach the situation with care. Having a clear plan for managing digital assets in the future can help alleviate some of the burden during a difficult time.
If you need any further advice on this topic, please reach out to our Private Client team at [email protected].
