What Happens to Your Digital Assets When You Die?

In today’s digital age, many people own valuable online assets, such as social media accounts, cryptocurrency, emails, and cloud storage. But what happens to these digital assets when you pass away?

1. What Are Digital Assets?

Digital assets include:

✔ Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)
✔ Emails and online subscriptions (Google, Apple, Netflix, Amazon)
✔ Cryptocurrency wallets (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
✔ Online banking and investment accounts
✔ Cloud storage files and documents (Google Drive, Dropbox)
✔ Domain names and websites
✔ Online business accounts (PayPal, eBay, Etsy, Shopify)

2. Why Are Digital Assets Important in a Will?

If you don’t include digital assets in your Will:

❌ Your family may lose access to valuable information.
❌ Accounts may be frozen, deleted, or hacked.
❌ Money in online accounts (e.g., PayPal, crypto) could be lost.
❌ Online businesses may collapse.

3. How to Include Digital Assets in a Will

Step	Action
1. Make a List	Write down all your online accounts, login details, and assets.
2. Choose a Digital Executor	Select someone you trust to manage your digital assets after you pass away.
3. Provide Clear Instructions	Specify what should happen to each account (e.g., delete, transfer, or memorialize).
4. Securely Store Information	Use a password manager or keep a written record in a safe place.

💡 Tip: NEVER include passwords directly in your Will. Instead, store them in a secure location and inform your executor.

4. Social Media and Digital Legacy

Different platforms have policies for deceased users:

Facebook & Instagram: Can be memorialized or deleted upon request.
Twitter/X & LinkedIn: Can be deactivated by next of kin.
Google & Apple: Allow users to assign a “Legacy Contact” for account access.

5. What Happens to Cryptocurrency When You Die?

Challenge	Solution
Crypto is decentralized (no bank control).	Store private keys and passwords securely.
No named beneficiary means assets may be lost.	Include crypto in your Will with clear transfer instructions.
Exchanges may have strict policies on account transfers.	Check platform rules (e.g., Binance, Coinbase).

6. FAQs on Digital Assets in Wills

Q: Can my family access my email accounts after I die?

A: It depends on the provider. Google allows a “Legacy Contact,” while others may require legal proof.

Q: Should I list my passwords in my Will?

A: No! Instead, store them securely and provide access instructions to your executor.

Q: What happens to my PayPal and online banking accounts?

A: They are frozen after death. If included in your Will, they can be transferred to beneficiaries.

7. Conclusion

Digital assets are just as important as physical ones. By planning ahead and including them in your Will, you ensure that your online presence and digital wealth are managed according to your wishes.

💡 Make your Will today with CreateWills UK and secure your digital assets.