If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your digital footprint after you die, the answer depends on which social media accounts you use.
For Facebook, there are two options in your security settings you’ll want to consider.
Read more: Cheapest and easiest ways to do a will
What happens to your Facebook after you die?
Your first option is to have your account memorialized, and you can designate a legacy contact to manage your page right now in your Facebook settings.
To do so, go to Account Settings >> Security >> Legacy Contact.
When your account is memorialized, it gives your friends and family a place to share memories long after you have died. But a legacy contact doesn’t get full control of your account.
What a legacy contact can do
- Pin a post on your Timeline, such as a message to share details about a memorial service
- Respond to new friend requests
- Update your profile picture and cover photo
What a legacy contact can’t do
- Log into your account
- Remove or change past posts, photos or other things that you shared
- Read your messages
- Remove any of your friends
You can also tell Facebook to permanently delete your account after your death.
Read more: How to keep your Facebook messages private
If you don’t make this selection beforehand, an immediate family member of executor can request the account be removed after supplying a death certificate.
Read policies for other social networks:
You may also want to leave instructions about your online accounts in your will, especially if you have a personal website, blog or other digital assets.
