Warning. This post could get a little morbid, but let’s just call it “estate planning.”
Up until now, Facebook had no mechanism to deal with a personal Facebook page once the person had passed away. Some of you might already have cared for this by giving your log-in information to a trusted relative or friend, but the fine print states that is a violation of Facebook’s terms of service.
Now there is a solution. Facebook has introduced new options, as explained by Slate’s Will Oremus:
…the social network announced a new setting that will give every Facebook user the option to have their account permanently deleted when they die. Alternatively, users can now designate a “legacy contact”—a friend or family member to take control of certain aspects of their account after death.
Specifically, the legacy contact will be able to:
- Change the dead person’s profile picture and cover photo
- Write a special post that will be pinned to the top of his or her timeline (e.g., a memorial service announcement)
- Accept friend requests from real-life friends and family who weren’t connected to the deceased on Facebook.
So even though we joked about this new option being part of your estate planning, it’s actually a good idea to keep us in the loop on this decision the next time you come in to the office to update your estate plans.
This blog is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
