As life becomes more digital, it is important to consider what would happen to your digital memories and assets if you were not able to access them yourself.
More people now use smartphones to take photos and videos, which is great as it is accessible without having to carry around a separate camera or video camera. But, this means that we no longer have physical photos or video cassettes to pass on our memories. Less and fewer people back these photos up or print them. Do you? If the answer is no, have you thought about what may happen to these digital assets or accounts after your death?
The Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) have launched a campaign regarding this and has released guidance on what you could do to protect your digital memories.
Protecting your digital assets after death – why is it important?
Your digital memories may hold sentimental value for your family. Photos and videos can act as keep-sakes and reminders for your loved ones.
Not only this but putting plans in place can ensure that your privacy is maintained and the security of your financial information held on platforms is safeguarded (see our blog on cryptocurrency for more on this).
How can I protect my digital memories?
STEP has provided three methods to consider:
1. Update your legacy settings
Each account that you hold online should have settings that can be amended to be able to appoint a legacy contact. This will give you peace of mind that someone may access the account on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
You must ensure that this contact is trustworthy. Each platform will have different procedures to do so, and you are best to check with their customer support teams if you have any difficulties.
2. Consider cloud storage
Cloud storage can be accessed from anywhere and not only on the specific device that the account, photo, or video was taken, held, or accessed.
This has its own advantages and disadvantages and you should do your own research as to whether this is suitable for the memories that you want to preserve.
3. Talk to your loved ones
You may want to consider talking to your loved ones now and checking with them about what they would like to keep or know about any of your digital memories and assets.
You may want to share some of the memories with them now. Note that sharing passwords is not encouraged due to security issues.
How can we help?
Emma Lewin is a Senior Associate in our expert Wills and Probate team.
For more information on the subjects outlined in this article, please do not hesitate to contact Emma or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.
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