Facebook & Instagram: The Digital Ghost Problem

Every day, approximately 8,000 Facebook users pass away worldwide. Their profiles remain active, their photos continue to appear in friends' memories, and their birthdays still generate notifications. This phenomenon, which experts call 'digital ghosts,' raises profound questions about our digital legacy.

According to a University of Oxford study, by 2070, profiles of deceased users could outnumber those of the living on Facebook. A perspective that forces us to rethink our relationship with digital memory.

Facebook's Official Options After Death

1. The Memorial Account

Facebook offers to transform a deceased person's profile into a 'memorial account.' This special status:

• Adds 'Remembering' before the name
• Allows friends to share memories on the profile
• Prevents logins and profile changes
• Preserves content for loved ones

To request this transformation, a relative must provide proof of death (obituary, certificate) through Facebook's official form.

2. Permanent Account Deletion

If you prefer your digital presence to disappear, Facebook also allows complete account deletion. This request can be made by:

• An immediate family member with proof of relationship
• An executor with legal documents
• The previously designated legacy contact

Legacy Contact: An Unknown Feature

Facebook offers a little-known but essential option: the legacy contact. This is someone you designate during your lifetime to manage your account after your death.

The legacy contact can:

• Write a pinned tribute post at the top of the profile
• Respond to new friend requests
• Update the profile and cover photo
• Request account deletion

To activate this feature: Settings → Account → Memorialization → Choose a legacy contact.

Instagram: Same Rules Apply

Owned by Meta, Instagram follows the same procedures as Facebook. A relative can request:

• Transformation into a memorial account
• Permanent deletion with proof of death

However, Instagram doesn't offer a legacy contact feature. Your wishes must therefore be documented elsewhere.

Why Document Your Digital Wishes?

Without clear instructions, your loved ones face an impossible dilemma:

• Should they preserve your digital memory or make it disappear?
• Who has the right to make this decision?
• How can they prove their relationship to the platforms?

These questions add emotional and administrative burden to grief. By documenting your wishes, you give your loved ones the clarity they need.

MyLastWill.io: The Solution for Your Digital Legacy

On MyLastWill.io, you can:

• Document your wishes for each platform (Facebook, Instagram, and others)
• Designate a trusted person to execute your wishes
• Secure your instructions with blockchain certification
• Modify your choices anytime, for free

Your document becomes an official reference that your loved ones can present to the platforms.

Conclusion: Take Back Control

Your digital life is part of your legacy. Don't let platforms decide for you. In just a few minutes, document your wishes and give your loved ones the peace of mind they deserve.

Create your document for free on MyLastWill.io and join thousands who have secured their digital legacy.