Skip to Content

Protecting your on-line memories.

The answer to the question what would you save if your house was on fire? in the olden days always included the prized family photos, 'they can never be replaced', well times have changed and I doubt that would enter the mind of anyone below the age of 25, but do we protect those memories as we once did, I guess the difference is that photos were once tangible but now we live in the digital age.

Many of us post our photos on Facebook amongst other social web sites, but are we protecting our photographic legacy? who actually owns the digital images once on-line?

In a recent survey over 2,000 people were asked what they think happens to digital images on Facebook if a user passes away, a third of people said Facebook owned the images and only one in five said the next of kin, the others had no idea.

So who does?

The biggest problem answering this is that it's all so new, but more and more cases are coming to light about disputes between relatives and social media providers, there is no code of conduct that all social media companies conform with.

In so many cases the deceased has password protected their account making it difficult to get the information if the on-line company will not co-operate. This was recently highlighted in the media where a 19 yrs old sadly passed away and the family continued to use her account to contact people and share memories, this became a great comfort to the family, until one day the account was locked by Facebook, in accordance with their terms and conditions, the account was locked and could no longer be accessed.

The biggest problem is that whilst we all consider our assets when drawing up a Will, we do not consider the new digital family album.

We do need to consider our online footprint, passwords for everything e.g. bank and social media accounts, what would you want to happen with them in the event of your death?

When you are considering drawing up a Will, or making a revision, make sure you don't leave out your digital wishes.

Protecting your on-line memories.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

Guide to Mediation - Children

One of the biggest decisions facing couples when a relationship breaks down is what happens with the children, there are many decisions that need to be made, al..

Children and the Law - Smacking

Children and the Law - Smacking.
It is surprising that the UK have not adopted the same stance as in Europe where the EU have adopted a clearer stance in makin..

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

link

Cohabitation Agreement

Cohabitation Agreement -
Many couples live together out of wedlock, some for the tricky trial period 'can we live together without killing each other', some co..

The Divorce Process

This guide lays out the Divorce Process in the UK; Divorce is defined by the Legal dissolution of a marriage by an accepted body or by Judgement of a court...

Injunctions.

How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many way..

link

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

Intestate

If someone has died intestate you may need a probate solicitor to help deal with the estate, this guide helps explain the steps needed...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top