How to Handle Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media Accounts After the Death of a Loved One
Social media is a huge part of our lives. After all the time you’ve put into these accounts, you might wonder what happens to your social media when you die. You should consider taking steps to control the future of your accounts.
There are two options for handling a deceased person’s account under the current Facebook policy. You can name someone as your legacy contact. This person will have the power to manage your account, which will be designated a memorialized account. You can also choose to have all of your content removed from Facebook upon your death.
If you are the only administrator named for a Facebook page used for your business or another group, that page will be removed when your account is memorialized. Business owners need to have a succession plan or they risk losing their Facebook business pages.
YouTube
YouTube is owned by Google. As with other Google information, YouTube content can be managed by an Inactive Account Manager. When you name an Inactive Account Manager, you can dictate who gets access to your content and whether it should be deleted when you pass.
If you don’t name an Inactive Account Manager, Google will work with your next of kin or named representatives to close your account.
Snapchat
Snapchat accounts cannot be shared after a user passes away. Snapchat policy allows an account to be deleted if they receive a copy of the death certificate.
Twitter works with verified members of your immediate family or authorized estate representatives to close an account. Their policy requires that they be given a copy of your ID, a copy of the death certificate, and information about you to fulfill a request.
Twitter also retains the right to permanently remove accounts that are inactive for 6 months or longer.
Instagram is owned by Facebook, and so has similar policies. Instagram accounts can be memorialized. Verified immediate family members can request to have an account removed. Their policy requires proof of death and proof of the person’s relationship with you.
Instagram does not allow anyone to log into another person’s account.
Pinterest only allows accounts to be deactivated after the owner’s passing. Under current policy, there is no way to designate someone to continue operating the account. To deactivate the account, a family member will need to contact Pinterest and inform them of the passing.
TikTok
Not all social media platforms have an established policy for a deceased person’s account. TikTok accounts can only be deactivated by someone with access to the app. That means if you don’t leave your password and login information with someone, there will be no way to remove the account.
Have a Plan in Place
Your social media accounts are part of your life and legacy. You should have a plan in place to deal with all of your accounts. Whether you want that content removed or maintained in some form, your wishes should be established in writing in advance.
Including social media information in your estate plan is a crucial step. Reach out to an experienced estate planning attorney today regarding your wishes for your social media accounts and more. Send our team a message.
