This is how it works: Settle the digital estate
Facebook, Instagram, cloud storage and online services such as Spotify or Netflix: most of us have left some trace online, but very few of us have made provisions in the event of our death. It is advisable to make arrangements for your digital estate too.
Quite a few people who have something to bequeath think about who should inherit a particularly beautiful piece of furniture or even their house. It is often forgotten that in the 21st century we also have a digital legacy - in the form of digital photos and texts, stored or on social networks.
Think about it yourself: Who of your relatives or friends knows your passwords? To whom have you entrusted how your data should be handled after your death? What valuable family photos or important documents are on your computer?
According to a representative survey by the digital association Bitkom, only 13 percent of internet users have fully arranged their digital estate. 18 percent have at least partially taken care of it. And 65% have not made any provisions at all.
Contracts are automatically transferred to heirs
Since a BGH ruling in 2018, contracts with communication providers or social networks are automatically transferred to the heirs, unless otherwise agreed. They are allowed to read the data stored there without restriction. The problem is that they often don't know what accounts exist and what should be done with them. According to a Bitkom survey, one in three internet users (36%) would like their profiles on social networks to remain after their death.
Social media: Estate contact and memorial state
How providers deal with deaths or heirs varies. It is advisable for the bereaved to inform the provider of the death. Facebook users can designate an estate contact during their lifetime who can change the profile picture of the deceased or respond to friend requests. Facebook profiles can be put into a so-called memorial state at the request of relatives - the content remains and friends or relatives can share memories.
Managing your digital estate: 5 tips from our expert Jürgen Griesbeck
- Talk to people you trust about the subject at an early stage. Should they only become active in the event of death, or can they also provide support if you are temporarily unavailable (e.g. in the event of temporary unconsciousness or a stroke)?
- Consider whether you should also address your digital estate as part of your power of attorney and authorize a representative and provide them with the necessary information.
- Take stock: make a list of which digital accounts exist. This will make it clear what needs to be terminated in the event of death. It makes sense to hand over the collected access data to the person of trust.
- Discuss whether the heirs are allowed to read the stored data from social media accounts. If not, precautions must be taken.
- Some Internet service providers or platforms allow you to specify an authorized representative. Please use this option.
"The necessary precautions save stress in the event of an incident (searching for passwords, reconstructing access). In the event of a death, the bereaved need this time for other things: to prepare the funeral, to grieve in peace and to support each other."
Jürgen Griesbeck, Product Manager Homecare-Eldercare
About the pme Familienservice
n behalf of more than 900 employers, the pme Familienservice Group supports employees in achieving a successful work-life balance and being able to work with a clear head. You can find out more about the pme Familienservice Group here: www.familienservice.de/wer-wir-sind
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