Who Owns Data After Death?
Explore the complexities of digital asset ownership after death and learn how to secure your digital legacy through effective planning.
Who Owns Data After Death?
When someone passes away, their digital assets - like photos, social media accounts, and cryptocurrency - don’t automatically disappear. Instead, they raise complex questions about ownership, access, and privacy. Legal frameworks, such as the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA), allow designated individuals to manage these assets, but platform-specific policies often complicate the process.
Key points to know:
- Digital assets include everything from photos and emails to cryptocurrencies and online banking.
- Ownership vs. access: Having an account doesn’t always mean you own its contents.
- Platform rules vary: Apple, Google, Facebook, and others have different policies for handling accounts after death.
- Estate planning is critical: Include digital assets in your wil...