Be aware of the need to protect your digital identity in your will

A recent survey by Goldsmiths University Creative and Social Technology Centre in London, on behalf of Rackspace, found that one in ten people are leaving details of internet passwords in their wills so that family can access their internet accounts including their Facebook, Flickr and Twitter profiles. More people  are storing personal photos, home videos and often valuable music and films digitally  rather than as physical albums at home. They are keen to pass these to loved ones and  often want their digital identities to be archived and not abused when they are gone.

Without passwords, family members are often unable to access a deceased relative’s internet sites and these can fall prey to spammers.

During the last couple of years, numerous Facebook accounts have been hijacked where deceased individuals are no longer here to control their digital identity. With more documents and photos being stored online the question  of what happens when someone is gone becomes a more important issue each day.

It is essential that people start thinking about the issue of digital inheritance so that this can be accommodated and properly dealt with in their will. This is relatively straightforward. If you have any queries or requirements in connection with protecting your digital legacy or otherwise in making a will then Stripes have people available that can offer you specialist advice and support in this area.