Facebook is giving its users the chance to decide what happens to their Facebook account after they die. It is enabling users to nominate a “legacy contact” to manage their memorial page after they pass, whilst giving them the option of having their account deleted. Currently, those left behind can contact Facebook to ask accounts to be deleted or memorialized but they cannot log-in to memorialized profiles.
Those granted access will be able to look at photos and private posts, but they won’t be able to read private messages. If the deceased user didn’t nominate a legacy contact but did mention someone in their will, the request will be granted. Users in the US can access the new options now, with a roll-out to the rest of the world being imminent.
Users can only nominate one legacy contact. The move is thought to have been designed as a balance between protecting the privacy of the deceased whilst allowing loved ones to access pages. Google started to cater for “digital heirs” in 2013, with users being allowed to decide what happens to their data following their deaths or an extended period of inactivity. Google product manager said: “We hope that this new feature will enable you to plan your digital afterlife–in a way that protects your privacy and security — and make life easier for your loved ones after you’re gone.”
Social media giant Facebook recently announced that it was cracking down on fake stories.
