I have accounts on Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Google, Hotmail, Yahoo, Dreamhost, AADN, HRC, ACLU, OPENID, BattleNet… the list goes on and on. 90% of my readers are no different. I’m not usually one to contemplate death – life seems much more important – but I have often wondered, what happens to all of this when I’m dead? How about you, readers? Have you created a master plan for passing on – or perhaps destroying – your online identity after you’re gone?
Don’t be fooled into thinking that your loved ones will be able to access those accounts after your passing. Most companies, especially those providing free services, do not have any process in place to allow access to accounts after the death of the account creator. Many people have found themselves without recourse when they really need access to their deceased loved one’s online data.
A new service called Legacy Locker is trying to provide an answer to this problem. They store account information, send “legacy letters” and so on. When notified of the death of their client, they attempt to verify the death online (hoax control), and then await notification of death via a certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate. After the client’s death has been verified, they will release account information and other notifications to specified contacts.
Legacy Locker has a number of competitors such as AssetLock (very similar to Legacy Locker), Deathswitch (enter a password daily to prove you are alive) and Slightly Morbid that provide similar services.
So, would you use a service like this to pass on your digital heritage after your death? I’m thinking about it.