Introduction
In the digital age, our online presence is becoming increasingly important. With the rise of social media, online banking, and cloud storage, we have a digital footprint that needs to be managed. However, many people are not aware of what will happen to their digital assets after they pass away. That is where a digital executor comes in. In this article, we will discuss what a digital executor is, their duties, and how to choose one.
What is a Digital Executor?
A digital executor is the executor of the estate who is empowered to manage the digital assets of a deceased person. Digital assets are any online accounts, files, or other digital information that a person has. This includes social media accounts, online banking, email accounts, digital music and movie collections, and any other online accounts or files.
A digital executor is responsible for ensuring that the digital assets of the deceased are properly managed and distributed according to their wishes. This includes tasks such as deleting or memorializing social media accounts, transferring ownership of digital assets, and ensuring that sensitive information is properly protected.
Duties of a Digital Executor
The duties of a digital executor can vary depending on the wishes of the deceased and the specific digital assets that they had. However, some common duties of a digital executor include:
Identifying Digital Assets
The first duty of a digital executor is to identify all of the digital assets that the deceased had. This can be a challenging task as many people have multiple online accounts and may not have kept track of all of them. Some digital assets may also be stored on multiple devices, making it difficult to locate them all.
Accessing Digital Accounts
Once the digital assets have been identified, the digital executor needs to gain access to them. This can be a challenge as many online accounts have security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access. The digital executor may need to provide proof of their authority to access the accounts, such as a copy of the deceased’s will.
Managing Social Media Accounts
One of the most common tasks of a digital executor is to manage the social media accounts of the deceased. This may include deleting or memorializing the accounts, depending on the wishes of the deceased and the policies of the social media platforms.
Transferring Digital Assets
The digital executor may need to transfer ownership of digital assets to the beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate. This may include transferring ownership of digital music or movie collections, online banking accounts, or other digital assets.
Protecting Sensitive Information
The digital executor is also responsible for protecting any sensitive information that the deceased had online. This may include financial information, personal information, or other sensitive data. The digital executor may need to delete this information or take other steps to ensure that it is properly protected.
How to Choose a Digital Executor
Choosing a digital executor is an important decision, as this person will be responsible for managing your digital assets after you pass away. Here are some tips for choosing a digital executor:
Choose Someone You Trust
The most important factor in choosing a digital executor is choosing someone you trust. This person should be someone who is responsible and who you feel comfortable sharing sensitive information with.
Consider Their Technical Skills
The digital executor should have some level of technical skill, as they will need to be able to access and manage online accounts and digital files. However, they do not necessarily need to be an expert in all aspects of digital technology.
Make Sure They Understand Your Wishes
The digital executor should understand your wishes regarding your digital assets. This may include how you want your social media accounts to be managed, which beneficiaries should receive specific digital assets, and any other specific instructions you have regarding your digital assets.
Ensure They Can Fulfill Their Duties
The digital executor should be willing and able to fulfill their duties as a digital executor. This includes being available to manage your digital assets after you pass away, as well as having the time and resources to carry out their duties.
Have a Backup Plan
It is also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your chosen digital executor is unable or unwilling to fulfill their duties. This may include appointing a secondary digital executor, or including instructions in your will for a trusted family member or friend to assist in managing your digital assets.
Conclusion
In the digital age, it is important to consider what will happen to our digital assets after we pass away. A digital executor can help ensure that our digital assets are properly managed and distributed according to our wishes. When choosing a digital executor, it is important to choose someone you trust who has the technical skills and understanding of your wishes to fulfill their duties. By taking the time to choose a digital executor, you can have peace of mind knowing that your digital assets will be managed and distributed as you intended. By detailing your assets in your Gentreo Digital Family Vault, you make it easy for your Digital Executor to do their job.
