Google is constantly rolling out new products and services for users all throughout the world and one of their newest developments is an estate planning assistance program online. According to Zee News, Google will now let people plan out the future of their digital photos, their documents, and any other virtual possessions that are stored online when they die or become incapacitated. In an ever-increasing digital world, more and more people are placing their valuables online. In fact, for some, the most valuable items that they own may be in the form of online documents, gift cards, and other digital formats.
Google understands that digital estate planning is the way of the future as more and more people place their value on online profiles and in online portfolios. Now, the Inactive Account Manager is a Google tool that can be used to pass data from online venues like Google Drive, Gmail, YouTube, and Google+ to specified individuals after the accounts have been dormant for too long. As well, there is an option to terminate some of the accounts after they have not been used in a specific amount of time.
Google sent out a message about the new tool on their account settings page, asking people what happens to their photos, e-mails, and documents when they stop using an account. The message claims that Google users may want to share their data with a trusted friend or family member, or they may want the account deleted entirely because of content that they wouldn't want revealed at the time of their death. Whatever a person's preference, Google is providing the option to maintain these accounts and determine their future. Google will let people specify how long they want to wait before taking action.
To make sure that accounts aren't unintentionally disabled, Google says that they will send alert e-mails and text messages to those who have set up the future planning tool and have declared that their accounts will transfer owners or be discontinued after a set amount of inactivity. This way, a person won't forget to sign into an account for six months and suddenly lose his or her access. Google says that as more people trust the internet "cloud" to store their private information, this raises concerns about the future of their personal, digital possessions.
Google is not the only online service who is preparing for the future of enthusiasts. On Facebook, men and women can have their account "memorialized" after they die. U.S. law is vague on the protocol when it comes to dealing with digital rights and online accounts in death because the concern is relatively new since the advent of online profiles and services. Oftentimes there are complications and a lot of legal battles for survivors who want access to the online services of their loved ones who have passed away.
Some individuals put accounts in their will and will specifically issue passwords to those who are chosen to manage digital assets. In other cases, a man or woman will pass away without ever providing passwords to these accounts and they will lay dormant with resources untapped as a result. If you want more information about digital estate planning, then you need to talk to a probate professional immediately. With an estate planning lawyer or assistance there at your side, you can work through your wills, trusts, or documents and make sure that they are foolproof. Use this helpful directory to find a local probate lawyer who can help you in your case and will be able to show you the implications of the probate process.