In the digital world, we not only leave behind traces, but also assets and personal memories. That's why a digital will is at least as important today as a traditional one. If you take care of your digital legacy early on, you can save your loved ones a lot of trouble - and at the same time ensure that important data and accounts end up in the right hands.
Why a digital will is indispensable
In the age of Facebook, Instagram and online banking, we leave behind more than just material possessions. Our digital presence includes email accounts, social networks, cloud services, online subscriptions and much more. But what happens to all this data when we are no longer around? Without clear rules, your loved ones could face major challenges if they try to access your digital accounts.
Particularly problematic: many providers make it difficult for surviving dependants to access the accounts of deceased persons. Microsoft, for example, requires a court order to grant access to an account after the death of a user. Such legal hurdles can be avoided if a digital will is drawn up during a person's lifetime.
How to create a digital will
A digital will is basically an overview of your online accounts, including usernames and passwords, as well as instructions on what to do with them after your death. Here are some steps to help you sort out your digital legacy:
- Take stock: List all your digital accounts and services - from social networks and email accounts to online subscriptions and cloud storage. Don't forget access data such as user names and passwords.
- Define access authorizations: Decide who can access which data after your death. This information should be clearly set out in your digital will.
- Secure data storage: Keep your access data in a safe place, for example on an encrypted USB stick. It is important that this stick is password-protected and stored in a secure location to which only a trusted person has access.
- Inform a trusted person: Tell someone close to you where the access data and the USB stick are kept. This person should also know how to manage or delete your digital accounts in the event of your death.
Don't forget the emotional aspects
In addition to legal and financial matters, a digital will is also about emotional values. For many surviving dependants, access to photos, videos or personal messages is invaluable.
Conclusion: Take precautions and ease the burden on relatives
A digital will is not a complicated document, but rather an important precautionary measure that can save you and your loved ones a lot of grief. In just a few steps, you can ensure that your digital legacy is passed on in an orderly fashion and that important memories are not lost. By planning early, you give your loved ones the opportunity to say goodbye in peace - both to you and to your digital world.
