Have you ever thought about what happens to your social media accounts when you die?

Your digital footprint can remain long after death. However, each social media platform has its own rules and options about what happens to your account when you die.

Facebook provides the opportunity for the account of a loved one to be turned into a memorial account. Once a page is memorialised it can no longer be changed back to a regular Facebook account. The page cannot be accessed by anyone unless you have nominated a legacy contact.

Users can choose to have their Facebook profile permanently deleted when they die by selecting that option in their settings. Following a loved one’s death, a family member can also request that Facebook remove a profile by providing the necessary documentation.

According to Instagram’s policy, the account of a deceased person can either be reported and then memorialised, or an immediate family member can request that the account be deleted. To memorialise an account, Instagram requires proof of death such as a link to an obituary or news article.

For LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest users who have passed away, the platforms will deactivate the profile if requested by a loved one or family member.

For some people, having the option to visit a deceased person’s social media account can offer comfort, while others prefer that the page is deleted for good when a loved one passes away.

Accounts that are inactive for an extended period are open to hackers and people may get automatic notifications from the account. Receiving notifications from or about a deceased person can be distressing for friends and family.

Social media users are encouraged to plan ahead and leave instructions and passwords with somebody they trust so that they can carry out their wishes for their social media accounts.