In today’s connected world, our lives extend far beyond the physical. From social media accounts to online banking, most people have digital assets that hold both financial and emotional value.
When someone passes away in British Columbia, families and executors must learn how to manage these assets with care, respect, and legal responsibility.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital assets include any electronic records, accounts, or property a person owns or controls online. Common examples are:
- Financial Accounts: Online banking, PayPal, cryptocurrency wallets
- Social Media Profiles: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn
- Subscriptions & Services: Netflix, Spotify, cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Emails & Communication Apps: Gmail, Outlook, WhatsApp, Messenger
- Digital Property: Domain names, online businesses, blogs, digital photos, eBooks, NFTs
These assets can carry sentimental value (family photos), financial worth (cryptocurrency), or sensitive information (emails, private messages).
Why Digital Assets Matter After Death
Traditionally, estate planning focused on physical possessions, real estate, and financial accounts. But digital assets can:
- Hold financial value, requiring transfer or closure
- Contain memories, such as photos or videos
- Pose security risks if accounts are left unattended
- Impact a deceased person’s online presence and legacy
Without proper handling, accounts may be hacked, bills may continue unnoticed, or loved ones may lose access to cherished memories.
Legal Considerations in BC
In British Columbia, digital assets fall under the estate of the deceased, meaning the executor is responsible for managing them. However, laws around access vary because online platforms are often governed by their own terms of service.
For example:
- Facebook allows memorialization or account deletion with proof of death.
- Google provides an “Inactive Account Manager” feature that lets users pre-select what happens to their account.
- Cryptocurrency wallets require private keys; without them, funds may be unrecoverable.
Executors must navigate both BC estate law and the rules of each online provider.
Executor Responsibilities for Digital Assets
- Locate Accounts – Check devices, emails, and records for evidence of digital accounts.
- Secure Access – Prevent unauthorized use by changing passwords (if legally allowed) or contacting providers.
- Preserve Value – Transfer assets like cryptocurrency, domain names, or online businesses.
- Respect Wishes – If the deceased outlined preferences in a will or digital estate plan, follow them.
- Close or Memorialize Accounts – Shut down unused services or memorialize social media profiles.
Challenges Executors May Face
- Password Protection: Without login details, access can be impossible.
- Privacy Laws: Providers may refuse access to protect user privacy.
- Lack of Awareness: Many people don’t document their digital assets before death.
- Time Pressure: Subscription renewals or online businesses may require urgent action.
Planning Ahead for Digital Assets
To make things easier for families, individuals can:
- Keep a secure list of accounts and passwords (e.g., password manager, written record in a safe).
- State wishes for digital assets in their will or estate plan.
- Use online tools (like Google’s Inactive Account Manager) to set preferences.
- Decide how they want social media accounts handled (memorialized, deleted, etc.).
Key Takeaway
Digital assets are now an important part of a person’s legacy. By planning ahead and clearly documenting online accounts, individuals can spare loved ones the stress of navigating confusing platforms.
Executors in BC should be prepared to handle both the legal and practical sides of digital legacies with sensitivity.