In a world where digital subscriptions and online accounts are more prevalent than ever, Japan’s National Consumer Affairs Center has advised citizens to start “digital end of life planning.” This recommendation comes in response to several recent incidents where individuals had difficulty canceling subscriptions or managing accounts of their deceased loved ones due to a lack of access to essential usernames and passwords. The Center believes this situation can lead to unnecessary stress and complications for surviving family members and friends, who may already be overwhelmed with other aspects of executing a loved one’s will. To prevent these difficulties, the Center has proposed a set of four steps that can simplify matters and ensure a smoother transition of digital assets.
1. Enable family members to unlock your devices in emergencies
First and foremost, family members should be able to unlock your smartphone or computer in case of an emergency. It’s crucial that someone you trust can swiftly access your devices to manage your affairs or find pertinent information. Ensuring that trusted individuals know how to unlock your devices will facilitate their ability to navigate your digital life when you’re no longer around. Whether it’s through sharing the device’s password or setting up biometric access for a trusted person, this step can save significant hassle later on.
2. Maintain a detailed list of subscriptions, user IDs, and passwords
The second step involves maintaining a comprehensive list of your subscriptions, user IDs, and passwords. This list should cover everything from streaming services and online retailers to social media and banking accounts. By creating and regularly updating this list, you provide a crucial resource for those who might need to access or cancel services on your behalf. Keep this list secure, but ensure that at least one trusted individual knows how to find and use it when necessary.
3. Consider preserving these details in a document for posthumous access
The third step is to think about preserving these details in a specific document that is intended to be accessible after your death. This document can be part of your will or stored in a safe place where trusted individuals can find it. The idea is to ensure that all necessary digital account information is systematically documented and easy to retrieve. This approach minimizes the risk of lost or forgotten login credentials, ensuring that your digital legacy is managed according to your wishes.
4. Utilize services allowing designated access to your accounts after death
In addition to the previous steps, utilize services that allow designated individuals to access your accounts after your death. Many platforms now offer legacy contacts or similar features to designate someone to manage your account in the event of your passing. By setting up these provisions in advance, you can help ensure that your digital assets are handled according to your wishes and ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.
By taking these measures, individuals can help their loved ones avoid additional burdens during an already difficult time.
