Various studies have predicted that after the next few decades, there’ll be more accounts of dead people on Facebook than that of those who are alive. And it is not just limited to Facebook. It holds true for email accounts as well as other social media accounts.
So, what happens to your data when you die? It becomes a digital legacy that is passed down to your loved ones.
Inheritance doesn’t stop at properties, physical assets, wealth, etc, but is extending to digital space as well. Those born in the 20th and 21st century will leave a fortune in terms of digital legacy to their inheritors. In the future, it may even be auctioned off as the world is increasingly being driven by data.
So, who gets a hold of your data? Our WhatsApp chats hold our valued secrets that should not go into the wrong hands after our death. It is, hence, revolutionary that we get to willingly decide who gets hold of it after our demise.
Apple’s Digital Legacy Feature
Apple has rolled out a feature in its latest update in iOS 15 that allows you to select a contact who will inherit your data in the event of your death. There’s a sense of comfort in the fact that your data won’t be randomly floating in the digital space once you are no more, and that it will be in safe hands.
The inheritor would be able to access almost everything barring your payment and password details. They would have your pictures, apps, messages, videos, and more. They would need to verify their identity before they can access your personal info.
Google and Facebook already offered that option and now Apple is also in the digital legacy game.
Read More: What Is A Digital Footprint, And How To Clean It
How To Choose Your Digital Legacy Inheritor?
Given that our phones and social media accounts hold sensitive information, ranging from embarrassing anecdotes to borderline offenses in some cases, you should choose someone who won’t be judgmental. It can be a family member or a dear friend.
Your digital data is like your personal museum, your autobiography. Whosoever gets access to it gets the privilege to know all shades of your personality and your raw side. Hence, you should keep in mind that the inheritor does not get overwhelmed with it. Choosing your spouse or someone who loves you unconditionally would make a fit inheritor.
Taking Control
Death is an uncomfortable reality, the ultimate destination of all mortals. And what’s horrifying is its unpredictability, i.e. it can happen anytime. So, planning today as to what happens to your data is essential.
Make a list of all the social media platforms that you are active on and assess how comfortable you are with what people will see after your demise. If something feels wrong, then you can delete it today itself. In general, you should be mindful of what you share on social media as it is gonna be there forever.
Technology made our lives easier but it also means that we have one more aspect to worry about. Being mindless of your digital data is not prudent and thus, it is crucial that you take control of it at the earliest.
Disclaimer: This article is fact-checked
Sources: Forbes, Times of India, Business Insider
Image Sources: Google Images
Find The Blogger: @TinaGarg18
This post is tagged under: data, death, digital footprint, no one ever dies, carbon footprint, apple’s digital legacy feature, google, facebook, social media, streaming platforms, digital payment information, password details, what happens to your data after you die