Facebook is a global behemoth used by millions on a daily basis. When someone passes away, their social media accounts may continue to exist unless they are explicitly deleted by a family member or someone authorized to act on behalf of the deceased. The policies for what happens to social media accounts after someone passes away can vary depending on the platform and the specific situation.
For example, Facebook offers two options for a deceased person’s account: memorializing the account or deleting it. If a family member or friend notifies Facebook that someone has passed away, the account can be memorialized, which means the account remains visible but can no longer be logged into or edited. Memorialized accounts will also not appear in public spaces like “People You May Know” or birthday reminders.
Twitter, on the other hand, will work with a person authorized to act on behalf of the estate or a verified immediate family member to deactivate the account. Instagram also allows for memorializing an account or removing it, with a verified immediate family member able to make the request.
Other social media platforms may have their own specific policies for handling a deceased person’s account, and it’s important to review the terms and conditions of each platform. It’s also a good idea to have a plan for how to manage digital assets in the event of death, which can be included in an estate plan or Will. This can help ensure that social media accounts are properly managed and provide a way for loved ones to honor the deceased’s wishes. You may want to write your passwords and account emails offline so that other family members can access it during an emergency.
