Social Media, most of us have more than one account and most of us love it. But what happens if tragedy hits and you pass on?
Integrated so distinctly into our lives, our accounts have become who we are; companies use them to identify us, the internet uses them to target us. So what happens to these accounts when you no longer have control over them?
Facebook: Can either be memorialised or deleted.
Having a memorialised account is a way for people to celebrate those who have passed away. Facebook will keep this account secure, and prevent anyone from logging onto it. The only person who can manage this account is the legacy holder who is selected by the account holder. This account holder can pin a post on the deceased profile, respond to friend requests and update the profile or cover photo.
Request your account to be memorialized after you’ve passed on here. You may also request for your account to be deleted by:
- On the top right corner on Facebook, select Settings
- On the left menu, click Security
- Then check the box below Account Deletion and follow the on-screen instructions.
Twitter: Unlike Facebook, twitter does not offer your account to be memorialised.
Twitter will instead delete your account permanently once they have been notified of your death. In order to have the account removed, you would have to complete this form. After the request is submitted you would have to supply Twitter with a copy of the deceased ID and Death Certificate.
Instagram: Like Facebook, Instagram offers the same memorialised option. In order for the deceased’s account to be memorialised, you will have to fill out this form.
But it’s not as easy as just filling out a form, in order to have the account memorialised, you would have to provide proof of death (obituary or news article). The account would then have to be verified by a family member, supplying:
- The deceased birth certificate
- The deceased death certificate
- Proof of authority under local law that you are the lawful representative of the deceased person or their estate.
If the deceased requests his account to be deleted, you’ll need to complete this form.
As social media has become our digital footprint it is important that you decide what actions will be taken after you’ve passed on.
For further planning of the unknown and to protect your family from the unplanned, apply for Life Insurance.
