Why Sharing Your Digital Passwords is Critical

As more and more of our lives move online, it is becoming critical to document information about accessing your online accounts and assets (bank accounts, brokerage accounts, photos, videos, etc.). Making sure you leave account information and digital passwords is critical. Why?

Matt Thompson very sadly committed suicide in July 2015 and left no will. What he did leave was 4,500 photos, 900 videos along with a devastated wife and daughter. Of course, they would want access to these files to help them remember and possibly understand why he left them. His widow was forced to spend money and time to hire lawyers to get a court order to gain access.

In 2016, 72-year-old Peggy Bush was forced to obtain a court order to get her husband’s iPad password. Bush had all the items Apple requested—a will leaving everything to her, a notarized death certificate, and serial numbers for his device. The family was told to get a court order, despite being able to transfer the house title and the car using a notarized death certificate and will.

If you do a Google search, you will find many other similar heartbreaking stories and even a multitude of articles about ways to gain access to an iPhone, etc. There are also ones about Apple’s role and responsibility: to intervene or let privacy rule? Thank goodness that Apple, Google, and many social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X have introduced updated features to address these issues, making it easier for users to plan their digital legacy.

New Technology from Apple and Google: Simplifying Digital Legacy Planning

Fortunately, technology is evolving to address these challenges. Apple and Google now offer tools to help users plan for the management of their digital assets after death:

• Apple’s Legacy Contact: This feature, part of iCloud Keychain, allows users to designate a trusted individual as their Legacy Contact. This person can access photos, messages, documents, and other important data stored in the deceased’s Apple account. To set it up on an iPhone, go to Settings > Password & Security > Legacy Contact and follow the steps to add a trusted contact. The designated person will receive an access key and will need to provide proof of death to gain access.
• Google’s Inactive Account Manager: This tool allows users to specify trusted contacts who can access their Google account data (e.g., Gmail, Drive, Photos) after a set period of inactivity. Users can choose which data to share and add up to 10 trusted individuals. Notifications are sent before any action is taken, and proof of death may be required in certain cases. To set it up, visit Google Inactive Account Manager.

These tools make it significantly easier for loved ones to access and manage digital assets, reducing the legal and emotional burden often associated with such situations. Take the time to document your online accounts and passwords and make sure your loved ones—or maybe even a digital executor—know how to access them. Even better, include this in your estate planning and documents. With new features like Apple’s Legacy Contact and Google’s Inactive Account Manager, safeguarding your digital legacy has never been easier.

Updated Dec. 2024