Who inherits your data? 'Legacy contacts' in your email give loved ones control over inactive accounts

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Produced by: 
KBOO
Air date: 
Wed, 10/27/2021 - 5:30pm to 5:45pm

 

"If I die, delete my search history," might be the most common meme about death and internet presence, but what if there is more to it?

'Legacy contacts' are a way for individuals to set up an inactive account manager for their email and social media accounts -- and you never know when they might come in handy. For example, if your account has been inactive for 3 months, that selected person could have access to some or all of your data, including photos, contacts and other details. Without one, tech companies won't hand over account information to a loved one, and they may delete all the data that person left behind.

KBOO's Althea Billings spoke with Camille DeMere about the importance of establishing a legacy contact, and how precious information is when a loved one loses their life. 

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