Protecting Your Digital Legacy
In today's digital world, much of your life is stored online—photos, conversations, and important accounts. Without a plan, digital assets like cloud-stored photos, social media, online rewards, and cryptocurrencies can be lost forever. Would your family know how to access your digital world, or would your memories disappear due to a forgotten password? Unfortunately, most estate plans overlook digital assets, creating a gap in your legacy. It's time to secure what truly matters.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital assets include anything you own or control online: email accounts, social media profiles, photos, store rewards, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
How to Ensure Access to Your Digital Assets
Apple Users: Set up a Legacy Contact via Settings > Your Name > Password & Security to allow a trusted person to access your account after you pass.
Google Users: Use Google’s Inactive Account Manager to decide how long your account can be inactive before taking action. You can assign trusted contacts to access or delete your data.
Social Media: Most platforms let you choose what happens to your account after you pass—Facebook and Instagram offer legacy contacts or memorialization, while Twitter and LinkedIn allow account deletion by family members.
Protecting Cryptocurrency
Use Secure Wallets: Store private keys in hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor.
Document Key Information: Keep wallet seed phrases in a secure location.
Create a Crypto Trust: Work with an estate planning attorney to set up a trust for cryptocurrency.
Check Exchange Policies: Some exchanges like Coinbase offer procedures for family access after death.
Legal Considerations
New laws make it easier for trusted individuals to manage digital assets, but many estate plans still exclude them. Make sure your estate plan includes your digital assets to ensure a smooth transition.
3 Steps to Secure Your Digital Assets
Create a Digital Inventory: List all digital accounts, including email, social media, and cryptocurrency wallets.
Assign Trusted Contacts: Set up Legacy Contacts on Apple and Facebook, and enable Google’s Inactive Account Manager.
Consult an Estate Planning Attorney: Ensure your digital assets are included in your estate plan.
Taking these steps will protect your digital legacy and make sure your assets are accessible to those you trust.