What Happens to Online Accounts After Death?
- Only 32 Percent of Internet Users Manage Their Digital Estate
- But: Digital estate planning has declined since the pandemic
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60 percent want to keep their digital content private after death
Berlin, October 17, 2025 – Photos stored in the cloud, chat histories on smartphones, and profiles on social media – our digital lives leave countless traces. Yet only about one in three internet users in Germany (32 percent) has made arrangements for what should happen to these digital assets after their death. According to a representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom, 16 percent of internet users have fully organized their digital estate, while another 16 percent have done so partially. The survey included 1,003 respondents aged 16 and older, of whom 917 were internet users. A further 22 percent plan to make arrangements in the future, but 43 percent say they will not. This marks a continued decline since the COVID-19 pandemic: in 2021, 40 percent had taken steps to manage their digital legacy – the highest level to date – falling to 37 percent in 2023.
“Everyone should make early arrangements for what will happen to their digital assets in the event of their death,” says Dr. Bernhard Rohleder, Managing Director of Bitkom. “Taking timely action not only relieves loved ones but also protects one’s privacy beyond death. During the pandemic, issues like precaution and digital legacy were top of mind, but they have since faded into the background.”
Access and Privacy After Death
Among those who have made full or partial arrangements, the most common measure is granting relatives access to personal devices such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets – 77 percent have provided the necessary login data or PINs. Forty-five percent have done so for online banking and for email or messaging services such as WhatsApp. One in three (33 percent) has arranged access to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, while 31 percent have specified what should happen to their hardware and devices. However, only 15 percent have made provisions for social media accounts – a particularly sensitive area. Sixty percent of internet users explicitly state that they do not want anyone to access their digital content after death, while 40 percent wish their social media profiles to remain online. Yet only 3 percent have activated memorialization settings offered by online platforms. Among those who have planned their digital estate, 78 percent have designated a trusted person to manage their accounts and online data. One-third (34 percent) have stored passwords and login details in a file or written note, and 15 percent have included relevant instructions in their will. Hardly anyone (1 percent) uses commercial apps or platforms for digital estate management. “If a will or power of attorney does not specify otherwise, heirs inherit access to all digital devices and accounts – meaning all content becomes visible to them,” Rohleder explains. “It’s worth considering carefully whether you really want that level of transparency.”
Bitkom’s Tips for Managing Your Digital Legacy
1. Personal data and devices
Unless otherwise stated in a will or power of attorney, heirs inherit all of the deceased’s possessions – including computers, smartphones, and local storage devices. A 2018 Federal Court of Justice ruling confirmed that this also covers access to online accounts such as social media. It is advisable to prepare a list of all devices and data carriers and note which should be deleted, archived, or passed on.
2. Online services such as email and cloud storage
Heirs inherit not only physical assets but also the deceased’s contractual obligations – including paid subscriptions such as streaming services. In most cases, they have special rights to terminate such contracts. Access to accounts is easiest when the deceased has clarified in advance whether and to what extent heirs should be able to access them. Login credentials can also be stored with a notary. Many service providers now offer legacy or inactivity settings allowing users to define what should happen to their accounts if they remain unused for an extended period.
3. Social media profiles
Relatives should notify social media platforms when a user has passed away. Most providers require a copy of the death certificate. Some platforms allow users to name a legacy contact who can, for example, update the profile photo or respond to friend requests. Family members can also request that an account be placed in “memorial mode,” preserving its content while allowing friends and relatives to share memories.
Tip: Anyone active on multiple platforms should keep a list of all their social media accounts and specify what should happen to each one (e.g., deletion, memorialization, or continued management).
