Facebook Introduces Legacy Contacts for Managing Profiles After Death
Facebook has implemented a new feature that allows users to assign a legacy contact to manage their profiles after they pass away. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with the digital world, it is essential to plan for what happens to our online accounts when we are no longer here. By designating a legacy contact, you can make it easier for your loved ones to sort through your digital presence while they navigate the grieving process.
Many tech companies have policies in place to handle the accounts of deceased users, and Facebook is no exception. When a user passes away, their Facebook account can be closed or memorialized. Choosing to memorialize the account ensures that it remains intact, with the added provision of a legacy contact who can assume limited control of the profile.
So, what exactly is a Facebook legacy contact? It is a family member or close friend who must be connected with the user on Facebook. Once the account holder’s passing is reported to Facebook, the account is memorialized, and the designated legacy contact is granted access to certain functionalities. These include managing tribute posts, updating profile pictures and cover photos, and responding to new friend requests. However, the legacy contact cannot log in to the deceased person’s account, post on their behalf, or view their private messages.
To set up a legacy contact on Facebook, users can follow a simple process regardless of whether they access the platform via an Android phone, desktop PC, or Chromebook. By navigating to the Settings & privacy section and clicking on Accounts Center, users can select Personal details, followed by Account ownership and control, then Memorialization. From there, the user can choose to memorialize their account and add a trusted friend as their legacy contact. Facebook also offers the option to delete the account after death for those who do not wish to assign a legacy contact.
Once an account is memorialized, it transforms into a memorial page. This page, adorned with the word Remembering next to the user’s name and profile picture, serves as a space for friends and family to share memories and reminisce. The original posts and photos shared by the deceased user remain on the platform and can be viewed by the intended audience. However, memorialized profiles do not appear in suggestions for people you may know or in birthday reminders. Furthermore, logging in to a memorialized account is not possible, ensuring the privacy and integrity of the deceased user’s profile.
What happens if you don’t assign a legacy contact? In such cases, friends and family can fill out a form to request the memorialization of the user’s account, providing necessary details like the user’s Facebook profile link and proof of death. However, without a designated legacy contact, the account cannot be managed by anyone. Facebook also offers the option to completely remove the account upon request, requiring proof of death before proceeding.
Planning for what happens to your online presence after you pass away is a responsible and considerate act. Facebook’s legacy contact feature provides users with control over their accounts even after death, allowing their loved ones to honor their memory and maintain a digital space for remembrance. Whether you choose to assign a legacy contact or have your account permanently deleted, taking the time to make these decisions can offer peace of mind and ensure the preservation of your online legacy.
