Digital Legacy & Account Management

In today's digital world, our online presence is an extension of who we are. Whether you're planning ahead or managing a loved one's accounts after their passing, taking control of digital assets is an important step. Pre-planning allows you to decide how your social media, emails, and online subscriptions will be handled, ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are not left with difficult decisions. For those navigating this after a loss, closing or memorialising accounts can be an emotional yet necessary process. Solace provides guidance and connections to trusted tools that help streamline this, offering peace of mind in both preparation and aftercare.

Account Management & Social Media Memorialisation

Managing a Loved One's Online Accounts

If a loved one has passed and no digital legacy plan was in place, handling their online presence can be extremely tough. Each platform has different policies, but here are key steps to take:

Social Media Accounts

Many platforms allow either memorialisation (where the account remains visible but inactive) or full deletion:

Facebook & Instagram: You can memorialise the account or request removal. If the deceased set a Legacy Contact, that person can manage certain settings.
Twitter, LinkedIn & TikTok: Do not allow memorialisation - accounts must be removed upon request.

Email & Cloud Storage

Google (Gmail, Drive, YouTube): If no Inactive Account Manager was set up, family can request access or deletion.
Microsoft (Outlook, OneDrive): Requires legal proof of death.
Apple (iCloud, Apple ID): If no Legacy Contact was assigned, Apple requires a court order to access the account.
Dropbox: Request account closure for a deceased user.

Financial & Subscription Accounts

Bank & Mobile Money Accounts (i.e. Mpesa): Legal documentation (will, letters of administration) is required to access or close accounts.
PayPal & Online Wallets: Accounts can be closed with proof of death.
Streaming Services (Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music & iTunes): These can be canceled by contacting customer support.