The Truth About Social Media Profiles Of The Deceased

Every so often, something weird happens on Facebook.  The profile page of one of your deceased friends pop up in your notifications. Or a family member’s picture come floating down your timeline. Why is this happening you may ask? Well, everyone can now stop speculating and find out the truth now.

Social media networks all have privacy policies and specific ways in which profiles of the deceased are managed. Ultimately, each account is owned by the person who created the profile page. Therefore, that individual has ownership of their profile and all contents uploaded to it.

In the event a loved one dies, there are ways in which family members and/or law enforcement can obtain access to the deceased account. However, each social media network works differently.  Here are the policies for some of the most popular social media sites:

Data Ownership After-Death:  Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google, Instagram and Twitter all remain to respect the privacy of their account holders. But, there are exceptions that will override their privacy policy. Pinterest, however, does NOT budge their rules. Even after-death, no one can obtain access to an account of a deceased friend or family member.

Time Span Until Deactivation: 

Facebook – account remains active until reported by someone or the page is memorialized.

Twitter – deactivates automatically after six months.

Pinterest – account NEVER deactivates.

LinkedIn – account remains active until reported.

Google – deactivates automatically after nine months or until it is reported or until the time expires on the inactive account manager option.

Instagram – account remains active until reported.

Documents Required for Account Deactivation:

Facebook – proof that you are an immediate family member.

Twitter – deceased member’s death certificate and photo ID of family member.

Pinterest – death certificate and proof of your relationship to the decease.

LinkedIn – member’s name and relationship to them, company name that they worked for, link to their profile, and the deceased email address.

Google – death certificate and full header and content of an email from the deceased email account.

Instagram –  birth and death certificate, proof of authorization under local law that you are the lawful representative for the estate of the deceased, and an obituary.

In addition to each policy, don’t be startled if you happen to see that person’s name again on your timeline. Facebook and LinkedIn both recycle profile names. Meaning, the deceased name can be used again by a total stranger.

Source: Mashable.com

Photo Credit: Kupeesh