How do you prepare a digital will?

We all know that when we draw up our wills, we need to list our bank accounts, other financial institutions and assets that will be sold after our death, as well as the strategies for distributing or sharing them with our loved ones.

But these days, in this “dematerialized” world, our lives are increasingly online, from our social networks to our file storage spaces.

Preparing a digital will is an important part of estate planning. Ensuring that your digital data is managed according to your wishes after you’re gone.

Last will – Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

The organization of this digital legacy is delicate, but essential in my opinion. This is where the importance of the digital will or “virtual last message” lies.

While I’m reviewing my own will, I propose to write down my steps to help you in turn.

The challenge of digital heritage

From managing social media to safeguarding online information, our digital presence is a new form of legacy. What we leave behind is not only a record of our lives, but also full of data about ourselves.

Without careful preparation, an inheritance that should be a source of happy memories for your loved ones turns into an emotional and administrative labyrinth.

The absence of guidelines for your digital legacy can mean that valuable assets are lost forever, or worse still, in the case of sensitive information, fall into the wrong hands. I’ve found that preparing this digital will can bring great peace of mind to grieving families, by also providing a digital continuity that reflects everyone’s life.

Legal challenges and solutions

The field of digital wills is evolving rapidly, with laws and regulations still lagging behind emerging technological practices. Some countries are beginning to introduce specific legislation to protect digital assets, but for now, much of this planning is done on a voluntary and contractual basis.

Technology companies are also increasingly keen to facilitate the management of digital assets after death. Platforms, applications and services are emerging to simplify the secure and seamless storage and transfer of this data.

Pending more specific legislation, the key is to document your process as clearly as possible. Your digital wishes should be clearly defined in your wills, but they may also require additional documentation, such as minutes, to prove your ownership and intentions.

Ethical considerations in digital legacy management

A well-thought-out digital will will include considerations on the degree of information sharing that includes other people. Family photos, personal communications, joint accounts-all of these need to be factored into your legacy plan.

Preparing your digital will raises important ethical issues.

Who can read your personal communications?

How would you like to be remembered online?

How can you ensure that personal information is not used inappropriately after your death?

Strategies for organizing your digital presence

To begin with, it’s essential to list and securely store your online accounts and their credentials. This may sound simple, but when you realize that we have over a hundred usernames and passwords on average, it can quickly become complex.

That’s why using a reliable password manager comes first!

1. Using a password management solution

To share your access, use a password management solution such as 1Password, Bitwarden or Dashlane.

These tools allow you to securely store all your logins and passwords in one place, and keep them up to date!

See my article on “Choosing a password manager” for more details.

2. Digital asset inventory

Once you’ve chosen a password manager, the next step is to draw up a complete inventory of your digital assets, including social media accounts, cloud storage, e-mail accounts, e-commerce sites, web domains, and any other online services that are important to you.

Don’t forget to also list digital devices that may contain important data, such as phones, computers and tablets.

This information should be listed and documented in the password management solution for easy access with your user instructions.

Email accounts: Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.
Social media accounts: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
Blogs or websites belonging to us
Cloud storage: Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, etc.
Sharing platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, Flick, etc.
Digital photos
Music files (purchased from iTunes, for example)
Digital books: Kobo, Amazon, etc,
Online gaming accounts: Espace Jeux Loto-Québec, etc.
Online payment accounts: PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrency, etc.
Rewards associated with loyalty programs: Air Miles, PC Optimum, Metro, etc.
Digital copyrights or patents belonging to us.

3. Choosing a digital executor

Select a trusted individual to act as executor of your digital assets. This person will be responsible for managing your online accounts and carrying out your digital wishes. Make sure this person is technically competent and trustworthy.

Inform this person about digital resources and access recovery procedures.

Having an open dialogue about your wishes with your executor is just as important as the information you share.

Include this person in your notarial will.

This person must also be registered in the emergency contacts of your password management solution, so that in the event of death, he or she can request access to your accounts. Usually, there is a predefined delay of between 1 and 7 days to obtain access.

4. Double authentication

Double authentication (2FA) of your accounts represents a challenge for access in the event of death.

Some accounts require you to confirm your identity by sending an SMS to your cell phone number, others by sending a code to your e-mail or by using a tool like Google Authenticator, MS Authenticator or directly in the web service application.

To manage this situation, you can :

Document methods used: Note the services for which 2FA is activated and the method used (SMS, e-mail, authentication application).
Use 2FA recovery codes: Many services offer recovery codes when setting up 2FA. Store these codes in your password manager so that your executor can access them and bypass the need for dual authentication.
Configure the 2FA to send codes to a specific e-mail address to which your executor will have access.
Provide your digital executor with access to your telephone (codes and instructions)

5. Leave clear instructions

Write detailed instructions on how you want your accounts to be managed. For example, you may want your Facebook profile to be turned into a memorial page, or certain digital files to be shared with family members. Make sure these instructions are accessible to your digital executor.

These decisions should not be taken lightly, as they will affect how your digital legacy is perceived and managed.

6. Consult a professional

For the more complex legal and technical aspects of your digital will, it’s a good idea to consult a notary or lawyer specializing in estate planning and an IT security professional. They can help you navigate the policies of different online services and ensure that your plan is both practical and compliant with current legislation.

Preparing your digital will is an act of affection as much as foresight. It’s careful planning that may seem complex, but offers an opportunity to guide your digital presence in a post-mortem world.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on the impact of your online existence, and to take concrete steps to ensure that this digital legacy is a source of pride and comfort for your loved ones, once you’ve crossed the digital threshold into the afterlife.

Whatever your stage of life, taking charge of your digital legacy is an estate planning strategy that can’t wait. Technology may seem ephemeral, but the traces we leave online have the potential to become the lasting vestiges of our lives.

Deciding what you want to leave behind digitally is an act of autonomy and control. To a certain extent, it’s also an act of wisdom. Future generations will have a precise idea of your personality, your values and your strength, reproduced in the pixels and bytes you have carefully ordered and protected.