In an age where our lives are increasingly online, it is important to consider what happens to our digital footprint when we pass away. Social media accounts, streaming services, cloud storage, and subscription-based platforms continue to exist even after someone dies unless specific actions are taken. Many people overlook or underestimate the consequences of their digital presence, leaving family members or friends to handle the complexities of account management and security.
This article explores the fate of digital subscriptions and social media accounts after death, the policies of major platforms, and what steps individuals can take to manage their online legacy.
Traditionally, estate planning involved managing tangible assets such as property, bank accounts, and physical belongings. However, with the rise of digital platforms, our online assets hold significant value, whether emotional (photos and social media posts) or financial (paid digital subscriptions, cryptocurrency accounts, and cloud storage).
One significant issue is that each platform has different policies regarding what happens to an account when the owner dies. Some services allow memorialisation, others enable transfers under specific conditions, and some automatically deactivate after inactivity. In any case, without prior planning, families may struggle to access or close accounts, leading to complications ranging from unpaid charges to security vulnerabilities.
Social media accounts store vast amounts of personal information, conversations, and digital memories. Learning the protocols that major platforms have in place helps individuals and their loved ones prepare for digital estate management.
Facebook enables users to designate a legacy contact who can manage certain aspects of their profile if they pass away. This contact can memorialise the account—preserving content while preventing logins or unwanted changes—or request deletion. Memorialised profiles display “Remembering” next to the person’s name and do not trigger birthday reminders or friend suggestions.
Without a legacy contact, family members can still request account removal by providing proof of death. However, they will not gain access to private messages or login credentials.
As a subsidiary of Meta (formerly Facebook), Instagram follows a similar protocol. A family member or friend can request memorialisation or full account removal by submitting a verifiable request with proof of death. Once memorialised, an Instagram profile remains visible but cannot be altered.
Twitter (X)
Twitter does not offer a memorialisation option. Instead, a verified family member or legal representative may request account deactivation after providing required documents, including the death certificate. However, access to the account itself is not granted under any circumstances.
LinkedIn allows a person’s family or authorised executor to request account closure. The requester must provide details such as the deceased person’s name, profile URL, date of death, and proof of passing. Memorialisation is not an option for LinkedIn profiles, which means accounts are either active or permanently removed.
TikTok
TikTok does not have a designated memorialisation system. If a family member or authorised representative contacts the platform with proof of death, TikTok will close the account. Access credentials are not provided.
YouTube and Google Accounts
Google offers a Google Inactive Account Manager, which allows users to decide what happens to their accounts after prolonged inactivity (e.g., six months to 18 months of non-sign-in). Users can designate trusted contacts to receive access to specified data or opt for complete account deletion upon death.
If Inactive Account Manager has not been set up, family members can request account deactivation or data retrieval, but approval depends on Google’s internal review. Financial assets associated with Google accounts (such as YouTube earnings) are handled separately.
Online subscriptions often continue charging a deceased person’s payment method until manually cancelled. This can lead to financial burdens for surviving family members or unnecessary expenses draining the person’s estate.
Streaming Services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, etc.)
Most entertainment subscription services do not automatically deactivate upon death. Instead, they will continue functioning until payment fails or is manually cancelled. Since these platforms do not require formal identity verification, family members can typically close accounts by logging in and cancelling payments. If login details are unavailable, customer support may require proof of death to facilitate closure.
Cloud Storage and Digital Files
Services such as iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive hold an individual’s important documents, photos, and videos. Without prior arrangements, accessing these accounts posthumously can be difficult. Some platforms allow legal executors to request access or account removal, while others maintain strict privacy policies that prevent data retrieval without a court order.
iCloud, for instance, generally requires a family member to provide a death certificate and legal permissions before any data can be accessed. Moreover, Apple’s Digital Legacy function allows users to assign trusted individuals who can access data after their passing.
Subscription-Based News, Software, and Apps
Newspapers, software services (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft 365), and other subscription-based platforms do not automatically suspend upon death. As with streaming services, subscriptions remain active until payment lapses. Families should check banking statements to identify ongoing charges and cancel unnecessary subscriptions to prevent financial waste.
Cryptocurrencies, PayPal balances, and digital banking services pose unique challenges in estate management. Due to encryption and privacy policies, financial platforms generally do not allow next of kin to assume control of an account without predetermined authorisation.
Cryptocurrency wallets operate on private keys, and losing access to these keys renders retrieving assets nearly impossible. Unlike traditional bank accounts, there is no central authority that can grant access upon request. As a result, individuals who own digital assets should leave clear instructions, including access details, for beneficiaries. Keeping this information in a secure offline location or through a solicitor helps prevent the permanent loss of these assets.
Given the complexities of managing digital legacies, individuals can take proactive steps to prepare their online presence for the eventuality of death.
– Designate a digital executor: Assign a trusted person to manage online accounts and digital assets after passing. This may be the same as the general executor of the will or a digital-specific representative.
– Use Inactive Account Management tools: Many major platforms offer inactivity settings (such as Google’s Inactive Account Manager or Apple’s Digital Legacy) that allow trusted contacts to manage an account or retrieve important data after inactivity.
– Document login credentials securely: Storing login details in a secure location, such as a password manager or a legally protected document, ensures trusted individuals can access vital accounts. Avoid including such sensitive information in a standard will, as it might become part of the public record.
– Regularly review and update account settings: Platforms frequently change policies, services, and user agreements. Periodically reviewing account settings and maintaining an updated list of active subscriptions helps streamline digital estate management.
– Clearly state preferences for social media accounts: Whether preferring account memorialisation, deletion, or transfer, users should clarify their wishes in writing to minimise confusion or disputes among loved ones.
Most people focus on physical assets when planning their estate, but ignoring the fate of digital subscriptions and social media accounts can lead to unnecessary complications. Each platform has distinct policies regarding memorialisation, access, and deletion, making it crucial to plan ahead. By designating digital executors, securing login credentials, and using built-in tools for legacy planning, individuals can ensure a smoother transition for their loved ones and prevent complications surrounding digital assets after death.
A well-structured digital estate plan not only protects personal information but also spares surviving family members the stress of navigating unanticipated digital hurdles during an already emotional time. Taking action now can offer peace of mind and ensure that an online presence is handled according to one’s wishes.
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