STEP’s campaign to protect digital memories

Birthdays, weddings, the birth of your children, the family moments and the funny pictures of the family pet, you’ve been there for all of the moments and they are available to you at your fingertips, but what happens when you are no longer around? Or no longer have the capacity to share them?

STEP has launched a campaign helping you understand just how you can protect your digital assets for your family and future generations. The campaign sets out the main ways you can ensure future generations enjoy the digital memories you’ve built.

1. Update your legacy settings

When somebody loses capacity, or dies it’s possible for an appointed individual to access their social media profiles and digital accounts as part of a digital legacy. Each platform has its own rules as to how the profiles and accounts can be used after someone has died.

STEP has set out helpful step-by-step guidance on how to access each of the legacy tools for Facebook, Google, Apple, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. 

2. Talk to your family and friends 

STEP has also produced a guide on talking with your loved ones about digital assets and how to take the initial step. Many find it difficult to have these conversations, but doing so with family members and loved ones ensures that years of memories aren’t forgotten. The conversation is ever evolving with new technologies and new social media platforms being introduced. It’s vital to revisit the topic regularly so that everyone can be kept informed of your wishes.

3. Share their video 

STEP’s campaign website memories.step.org is easy to use and can be a tremendously helpful first step in navigating the digital asset world. STEP’s website provides straightforward and easy to follow guidance helping you to start these important conversations.

If you have any concerns or are unsure about your digital assets please don’t hesitate to get in touch as we have team of estate planning advisers who can help you.