Facebook recently announced a new feature called its “Legacy Contact.” The feature allows Facebook users to designate someone who will have the power to manage their Facebook accounts after they have died. Considering that most social media users upload information, videos and pictures that may have sentimental values to those they leave behind, this new feature could be a positive for many people
Previously, users would have to provide their login information to a friend or family member if they were worried that their Facebook account information would be lost. Alternatively, family members might try to secure control of their diseased family members’ digital assets by going through a process that involved submitting proof of death and other probate documentation to Facebook’s staff.
With the Legacy Contact feature, the Legacy Contact will be able to download photos, videos, posts and other profile information. They will also be permitted to craft a special message to appear at the top of the deceased individual’s Facebook page. They will not, however, be able to access the user’s private messages.
Google has also started to implement estate planning-related protocols, which the company is referring to as its “Inactive Account Manager” service. If the account goes completely inactive for a certain period of time, then a previously determined person will be provided with access to the account.
The digital age is upon us, and with it digital assets that should be included in every Florida resident’s estate plan. Every Florida resident who is completing the estate planning process should keep this important fact in mind.
Source: Tech News Today, “Facebook has launched the Legacy Contact service which will allow someone you appoint access to your social media account even after you’re dead,” Natalie James, May. 15, 2015
