What happens to social media accounts when someone dies: the options offered by Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

For several years now, social networks have become part of the lives of most people.

There are usually 

, texts, photos, videos and any other type of content that you want to highlight, show or share.

But what happens to all that information when the person dies?  

After the death of the

, what usually happens is that their family and friends do not know what to do with the account and are even unaware that there are options to cancel it or create a

so that friends can share photos , greetings and memories.

This is possible only on Facebook and Instagram.

“If you don't plan

, the decision will be up to other people.

And aside from the usual pain and paperwork, they'll have to deal with

, or whatever account you have.

Above all, they will want

, Head of the Research Laboratory at ESET, a proactive threat detection company

.

"Less than 15 years ago, this wasn't really a problem. But now, 

of deceased family and friends is a growing problem, and in a few decades, platforms like

might even have more profiles of dead people than of people alive, mainly as its user base begins to stagnate."

A family member can delete or manage a loved one's Facebook account when the loved one dies.

Photo: AP

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: how to unsubscribe or manage an account of a person who died

The process recommended by ESET does not take more than an hour, and should be

approximately.

It is the way to make sure and recheck that the

people to whom

what to do with your virtual life in case of death, remain the same.

Or that you can correct or modify it:

Facebook 

If you have a Facebook account there are

:

1) Delete the account

in case of death.

This is a request that is made to Facebook and that no one can change.

However, it requires someone to

to Meta to report the death.

It's important to make sure that someone close to you knows that this is what you want so that you move forward when the time comes.

2) Choose a legacy contact

who will manage the memorial account.

It should be someone you trust and willing to

, tribute posts, photos, etc.

While for some people this can be emotionally distressing, others may find comfort in it, this is something to keep in mind when choosing the 'right person'.

Whether you decide to have someone take care of the profile or delete it, you should talk to the person who you think could do it.

In addition, this contact must be able to access the

and of course must also

Instagram:

Despite the fact that Instagram is part of Meta, like Facebook, users of this social network 

.

An account can be memorialized at the request of an authorized person or family member in possession of a death certificate, but

your images, videos, or privacy settings.

Instagram's terms of use are clear: You own your content, but you give permission for Instagram to use it as you see fit, as long as you're on the platform.

While

, Instagram can still argue its right to use your content.

Instagram users cannot decide on the deletion of their accounts.

Photo: AFP

Twitter

The little bird's social network does not have any established policy that allows deciding what will happen to an account once the user dies.

Instead, allow a family member or authorized representative to contact Twitter and

.

The platform

, as well as the applicant's personal details and possibly some additional information.

Google

Most likely, many Google services are used, including Gmail, YouTube, or even Google Drive.

To

, Google Inactive Account Manager can be enabled.

Google will then be able

and issue a downloadable link to a previously chosen contact.

The period that determines inactivity is decided by the user, as is what data can be downloaded.

You can also

it was shared with the legacy contact.

However, this implies that all content will be removed, including YouTube videos or blog posts, a reason why not everyone might want to enable this option.

Alternatively, if it is decided not to leave any instructions, the family members or legal representative may request the deletion of the account and even some data or funds.

Google indicates that the decision will continue to have privacy as a priority and each case will be reviewed individually.

Twitter allows a representative, previously authorized by the user, to request the deletion of the account in case of death.

Photo: Reuters

From ESET they also recommend carrying out some

to the organization of the digital legacy:

.

Make a data backup

.

Social media platforms are company-run services, and companies might one day have to shut down and wipe all data in an instant, sometimes even by mistake.

.

Make a second backup

of important documents and images that you really don't want to lose.

.

Never share passwords

with others.

However, planning for digital legacy management is a situation where it may not only be desirable to break this rule, but may feel necessary to do so.

.

Review legacy contacts every few years

and make sure backups are working and in order.

LN

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