Navigating the digital frontier:  A guide to digital estate planning

In an era dominated by digital interactions, our lives today are completely linked to the enormous online world. From personal photos stored in the cloud to cryptocurrency investments and social media profiles, our digital footprint is expanding at an unprecedented rate. As we embrace this digital evolution, it is imperative to consider the fate of our digital assets beyond our lifetimes. Enter the realm of digital estate planning, a crucial aspect of modern legacy management.

Digital estate planning involves the organisation, management, and eventual transfer of a person's digital assets. These assets span a wide spectrum, from email accounts and social media profiles to digital currencies and online subscriptions. Failure to consider these aspects in estate planning can lead to complications, as loved ones may have difficulty accessing or managing these digital footprints in the event of impairment or death.

The first step in digital estate planning is to create a complete inventory of all digital assets. This includes a detailed list of online accounts, subscriptions, and digital files. Consider documenting login credentials, security questions, and any specific instructions on managing or deleting certain accounts. This inventory serves as a roadmap for your digital executor or loved ones, and facilitates the process of managing your digital legacy.

Similar to a traditional executor for physical assets, a digital executor is responsible for carrying out your digital estate plan. This person should be trustworthy, technologically savvy, and able to handle the complexities of digital assets. Clearly communicate your desires and provide them with access to your digital asset inventory. Appointing a digital executor ensures a smoother transition and minimises the risk of unauthorised access.

Social media accounts often store a treasure trove of personal memories and interactions. Specify how you want these accounts to be handled – whether they should be memorialised, deleted, or left intact. Platforms like Facebook offer features for legacy contacts, allowing designated people to manage your account after you pass away. Be aware of these options and incorporate them into your digital estate plan.

The rise of cryptocurrencies adds another layer of complexity to digital estate planning. Clearly specify your cryptocurrency holdings, wallets, and private keys. Consider storing this information in a secure location, accessible to your digital executor. Without proper planning, cryptocurrency assets can be irreparably lost, so it is essential to integrate them into your overall wealth strategy.

Balancing accessibility with security is crucial in digital estate planning. Use secure methods such as encrypted files or password-protected documents to store sensitive information. Regularly update your digital asset inventory to reflect any changes to account details or new purchases.

In an age where our lives are seamlessly intertwined with the digital realm, neglecting the importance of digital estate planning can lead to complications and uncertainties for our loved ones. By taking proactive steps to document, organise, and communicate our digital desires, we can ensure a smoother transition of our digital legacy. As technology continues to evolve, so must our approach to estate planning, embracing the digital frontier with foresight and diligence.

Prof Sergio Guerrero Rosas, Managing Director at Guerrero y Santana, has over 25 years’ experience advising companies from SMEs to multinationals, as well as individuals, on tax and estate planning. He is also Global Vice Chair of the GGI Trust & Estate Planning (TEP) Practice Group.