Just like real life, virtual life after death keeps changing. A lot has changed since we first published this guide. We’ve refreshed it with new information based on updated options from the various social media sites.
According to a 2014 Pew Research Center study, a little more than half of all Internet users age 65 and older have profiles on social networking sites. And three Facebook users die every minute.
What happens to their pictures, their status updates, their likes and tweets and Google plusses when they’re no longer around to click Like?
Not surprisingly, social media sites have developed policies for dealing with a user’s death. And because of privacy controls created for the living, none of the sites makes it easy for survivors to control your account after you’re gone.
Of course, if the site doesn’t know that you’re no longer an active user (understatement), your page will continue to sit there gathering cobwebs and stray greetings from the living; people have been known to post birthday wishes on the walls of “friends” with whom they’ve been out of touch.
Some people are eager to avoid the “ghost account” scenario, and so a number of services have sprung up to deal with the eventuality – we’ll get to that later. First, a quick look at site policies, some of which have been updated in the past year or so.
First, a quick look at site policies.
Facebook policy is to memorialize a deceased user’s page for the benefit of the survivors. People can post their condolences, for example, or share photos. Memorializing a page requires proof of death via an online obituary.
As of February, you can designate a “legacy contact” — someone who can post things to your Timeline, such a funeral announcement or invite to a memorial services). Your legacy contact can’t see your private messages, but will be allowed to respond to new friend requests, update your cover and profile photos, and archive your Facebook posts and photos. To see how to set your Legacy Contact, click here.
Alternatively, a loved one can request that the account be deleted, but they will need to provide a copy of a death certificate and proof of authority under local law that they are a lawful representative of your estate. Given the complexity of this route, it’s clear why Facebook created the Legacy Contact option – seems like the way to go.
As for downloading content from your account — those precious family photos and the like — good luck. Your representative will have to obtain a court order and even then, Facebook makes no guarantees.
Twitter does not memorialize; your account can only be deleted, and your executor will have to give a copy of your death certificate, your ID and a link to or paper copy of an obit. Twitter will not give anyone access to your account on your behalf. To get the process started click here.
Google (Google+, Gmail and Youtube)
De-activating Google and everything attached to your login is tricky. With Google’s Inactive Account Manager, it can be done, but it will take some time.
Similar to Facebook, Google lets you set up an Inactive Account Manager in the event that you are not active for some reason. Click here and press set-up to name someone as an Inactive Account Manager for your account.
If you do not assign an Inactive Account Manager, your family will have to jump through hoops to get your account removed. Your representative must first provide an email that he or she received from your Google-related email address to prove that you knew each other. The next phase requires a court order for the information. If Google refuses access, the company doesn’t need to explain why. Click here to see what you need in each type of case.
Making Your Death Easy
Instead of making your survivors deal with your social media accounts or having your Facebook wall sit there after you’re gone, you can take action ahead of time.
Wills – or “Digital Access plans”
Rather than leave your family begging for access to your accounts, you can give them the information before you pass away and provide directives on what to do.
Some people add their account information to their wills – in fact, last year the U.S. government added this to their list of personal finance recommendations. But Gerry Beyer, a national expert in state and trust issues, told the Atlantic that he discourages this practice: Once a will goes to probate, he says, it becomes public – and after all that work you put into figuring out your privacy settings. Instead, Beyer advises his clients to reference a document in their will or draft a trust with a “digital access plan.” (Interested? Read more here.)
Legacy Locker, now halfway to being renamed Password Box (the company that bought Legacy Locker) is a service that passes your access on to loved ones. It boasts that it is a “safe, secure repository for your vital digital property.” For each account you list, you can pick a beneficiary and include instructions on what that person should do now that you have passed away. Two witnesses and a death certificate are required as proof of your passing. But at least your account won’t be locked in what the site calls “password purgatory.”
Tweeting From Beyond The Grave
Maybe you don’t want your online life to end after your real life does. Your wish for digital immortality can be granted.
Should you want to send post-mortem texts or video messages to loved ones for a personalized good-bye, you can use your Legacy Locker/PassWord Box account or sign up for a free account on Dead Social. Record your video, upload it to Dead Social and, once you pass away, the company sends the video to your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) based on your wishes — an annual holiday greeting to your friends, birthday wishes for someone special, anything’s possible.
Not enough afterlife contact? Dead Social will send scheduled email messages on your behalf to help celebrate survivors’ birthdays and anniversaries, or whatever other event on which you might want to wish someone well years after you’ve gone to the hereafter.
Some services intuit your death. LivesOn tweets for you based on artificial intelligence that analyzes your original twitter feed, and If I Die is a Facebook app that publishes a video or text message in the event of your death.
After I logged to LivesOn on through my Twitter feed, I was asked to assign an executor who decides whether or not to keep my account “live,” the assumption being, presumably, that the executor knows I’ve died, knows he/she is in charge of the account and goes and tells LivesOn what to do. Wile I’m waiting to die, I’m supposed to log in to LivesOn and tweet from there to teach it how to be like me.
Kind of a lot of work to have my account look like I am still alive.
What’s your choice? Keep your social activity going after you’re gone? Have your loved ones turn your Facebook into a memorial? Or just let your social media accounts turn into ghost accounts?
Boo!
COMMENTS
4 responses to “What Happens to Your Facebook When You Die?”
Is there some reason a family member can’t just log on with your password and delete the account?
I know from personal experience that FB tries every obnoxious thing they can to make you keep your account open, but after death??? Jeez!
I like this information. We do have federation of elders association/ clubs at city and state level here in India. Since I am working on networking, I wish to publish the information given by you about status of accounts after death of a person for his/her Facebook and other social sites. If you permit I will give this info on our whats app messages. Thank you. Avinash
See, I knew there were reasons I didn’t want to join these sites…..it’s twice as hard to “unjoin” them!
What an interesting group of stories. Whom ever is working on assembling these is doing an amazing job! This weekly info magazine should be submitted to what-ever judging situation is out there!
Thanks, Heidi F. Edelman
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
13 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
28
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a special holiday tour in Paris, France!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
虛擬博物館導覽
虛擬博物館導覽
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Messaging Apps
Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Hangouts, and WhatsApp.
16 events,
30
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
來聽聽看市面上一些受歡迎的健康應用程式的簡介。
9 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Come learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
12 events,
4
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Introduction to A.I.
Introduction to A.I.
Come chat with ChatGPT and learn about A.I.!
13 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Cusco, Peru!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
Digital Coupon Tools
Digital Coupon Tools
Learn how digital coupon tools can help you save money!
15 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Like to know what's happening? Come learn about X (formerly Twitter)!
Fitness Apps
Fitness Apps
Learn how fitness apps can help you track and conquer your goals!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
9 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Introduction to Digital Wallets
You CAN leave home without your wallet! Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness
Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness
Technology can play an important role in making sure you’re prepared for an emergency. Come to this lecture to find out how.
11 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
我們將討論如何準備首次會議,以及成功舉辦會議的技巧。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Food Delivery Apps
Food Delivery Apps
Learn about the pros and cons, how to search for new restaurants, and how to leave a tip and rating.
16 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Sharing the news? Learn to read and check sources before sharing!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Intro to Gaming
Intro to Gaming
Game on! Come discover the world of gaming and start playing!
7 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Have questions about your Android smartphone?
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Facebook
Facebook
Facebook can be a great way to connect with old friends, share life updates, and join social groups. Learn more about the popular platform.
11 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
本講座將探討我們日常與物聯網交互的多種方式,並了解它如何徹底改變整個行業。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Move, breathe and flow during this gentle, slow, flowing form of exercise
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Crowdfunding for a Cause
This lecture will give an overview of donation-based crowdfunding and explore two popular platforms used by individuals and nonprofits to raise money: GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers.
Understanding Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth
We’ll explain Bluetooth technology, how it works, and the way it impacts everyday life.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於「如何選取一台新電腦」 講座中的疑惑。
8 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Drones
Drones
Learn why more and more drones are taking to the skies!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
0 events,
25
14 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
實惠家用網路
實惠家用網路
了解負擔得起的家用網路的選擇
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
14 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Voice Assistants
Voice Assistants
Learn about the many devices, current uses, and future implications of this exciting technology.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
30
0 events,
31
0 events,
1
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Cloud Storage
Fit Fusion Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Chair Yoga
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Fit Fusion Workout
虛擬博物館導覽
Messaging Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Money Matters
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Affordable Home Internet
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Chair Yoga
Introduction to A.I.
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Fit Fusion Workout
關於 Zoom 的一切
Digital Coupon Tools
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Fitness Apps
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Chair Yoga
Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
Fit Fusion Workout
Food Delivery Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Chair Yoga
Intro to Gaming
Morning Stretch
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
eBay & PayPal
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Translation Tools
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Chair Yoga
Facebook
Morning Stretch
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
Fit Fusion Workout
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Understanding Bluetooth
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Drones
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Chair Yoga
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Fit Fusion Workout
實惠家用網路
#AgeFriendly
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Voice Assistants
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Recent Articles
Recent Comments