What Is a Digital Legacy? A Simple Guide

Plain-English answers for families and planners.

Quick answer

Your digital legacy is the story and stuff you leave online after you die.
It includes your photos, posts, emails, messages, videos, files, websites, and more.
It also includes things others share about you, like memorial pages or tagged photos.

Why this matters

We live online now.
If no one can reach your accounts:

• Precious photos and messages may be lost.
• Subscriptions can keep charging.
• Accounts can be abused or hacked.

A little planning prevents big headaches.

What your digital legacy includes

Think in simple buckets:

• Memories: photos, videos, voice notes, emails, texts, blogs.
• Accounts: social media, email, cloud storage, subscriptions, loyalty points.
• Money-related records: online bank and broker statements (the records are digital; the money itself is not a “digital asset”).
• Work and creative files: docs, designs, code, music, domains, websites.
• Gaming and virtual items: avatars, in-game items, currencies.

How access works after death (simple law overview)

Most U.S. states follow a law set often called RUFADAA.
It uses a clear order:

1. Your in-app setting comes first. If you used a site’s “legacy” or “inactive” tool, that choice leads.
2. Your legal papers come next. Your will, trust, or power of attorney can grant access.
3. Then the site’s Terms of Service apply.

This law also treats message content (like the body of an email) differently from account catalogs (like sender and date lines). Clear consent is often needed for content.
Learn more: the Uniform Law Commission’s final act or an example state law, Washington RCW 11.120.

Bottom line: turn on each platform’s legacy tools and say what you want in your will or trust.

The 10-minute starter plan

Do this today. It’s fast.

1. List your top 5 accounts. Photos, email, cloud, social, banking.
2. Pick a trusted person. This is who should get access if something happens.
3. Turn on each platform’s tool.
4. Google: Inactive Account Manager
5. Apple: Add a Legacy Contact or use the Digital Legacy portal
6. Facebook: Memorialization and Legacy Contact
7. Save key files. Back up your best photos and videos to a shared family album or an external drive.
8. Write simple wishes. In your will or a separate letter, say what to save, memorialize, or close.
9. Store proof. Keep copies with your estate papers.
10. Tell one person. Share where these instructions live.

What to save vs. what to close

Save or export:

• Family photos and videos.
• Voice notes or letters you want loved ones to have.
• Important docs (tax files, medical info, home records).

Close or memorialize:

• Old email inboxes you no longer use.
• Social accounts you don’t want live.
• Paid subscriptions.

For families and executors

If you’re handling an estate:

1. Gather documents. Death certificate and proof you’re the executor or next-of-kin.
2. Use official request portals. Ask the platform to memorialize, export data, or close accounts, as their policy allows.
3. Expect limits on messages. Full message content may require the decedent’s consent in a will or in-app setting.
4. Don’t guess passwords. That can violate Terms of Service. Use the tools listed above.

Common questions

Is “digital legacy” the same as “digital estate”?

They overlap.
“Digital legacy” is what remains and is remembered online.
“Digital estate” is the set of digital assets and records that may need legal handling.

Who can get access after I die?

If you set a Legacy Contact or Inactive Account Manager, that person is first in line.
If you also say so in your will or trust, your executor or trustee can request access.
If you set nothing, the platform’s Terms of Service control.

What about bank and brokerage accounts?

The records (statements, messages) are digital assets.
The money follows normal estate rules.
Your executor handles funds through standard probate steps, and requests any needed records.

One-page checklist

• [ ] List 5 key accounts
• [ ] Name a trusted person
• [ ] Turn on each site’s “legacy” or “inactive” tool
• [ ] Back up star photos and videos
• [ ] Write your wishes (will or letter)
• [ ] Store copies with estate papers
• [ ] Tell one person where to find them

Helpful links

• Definition and guidance: Digital Legacy Association
• Law overview: RUFADAA — Uniform Law Commission
• Example state statute: Washington RCW 11.120
• Google: Inactive Account Manager
• Apple: Add a Legacy Contact and Digital Legacy portal
• Facebook: Legacy Contact & Memorialization

Legal note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state. Work with a qualified attorney for your situation.