It was great to have NBNCo participate in RePaDD’s activities for National Advance Care Planning week.

nbn^® is the company helping Australia transition to a digital future and part of that future includes you. More Australians than ever are using their internet connections for work, to shop, socialise and for entertainment.

What is Digital Legacy?
The online interactions and digital information you share online become your “footprints” – your digital footprints – and become part of your Digital Legacy. We put a lot of thought into what will happen to our physical assets when we pass away, but we need to think about what will happen to our Digital Legacy.

Planning for your Digital Legacy can be a difficult topic to contemplate, but it’s a necessary one in today’s world. By taking the time to think about what you want to happen to your digital assets and online presence after your passing, you can ensure that your personal information is protected, your memories are preserved, and your wishes are respected.

How many online accounts do you have?
Think about it: we store so much of our lives online. From social media accounts, store loyalty memberships, email inboxes and everything in between, we’re creating a trail of digital assets that can be difficult for loved ones to manage if we pass away without a plan in place.

List Your Accounts
To get started with planning for your digital legacy, list your digital assets (as best as you can), such as photos, videos, documents, and social media accounts. Store this list securely, along with usernames, passwords/phrases and access codes.

Consider using a password manager to keep all your login credentials secure and easily accessible. There are many options available, some devices have built-in password managers, and there are many third-party apps available. It’s important to do your research and choose a password manager that suits your needs and budget.

As you list your digital assets, start thinking about what you want to happen to them after you’re gone.

Nominate a Digital Executor
Appoint a capable Digital Executor, who will be responsible for managing your online accounts and carrying out your wishes after you pass away. It’s important to discuss your plans with your Digital Executor and ensure they have the technical know-how to manage your digital assets effectively.

Secure Your Plan
To ensure your plan is secure, make sure to let your Executor know where it is and keep it updated. If it helps, think of the plan as a living document – you can (and should) update it regularly, when you change your passwords, open/close an account or make any other changes that would affect your plan. Make sure your plan includes clear instructions for how you would like your online accounts managed, as well as any passwords or login credentials your Digital Executor may need.

Know what you can bequeath
Is the license for a movie that you purchased online transferrable? What about an app subscription? It’s also important to know what you can bequeath and what isn’t yours to pass on.

The End User License you agreed to when you signed up for each service can provide guidance on which online accounts and assets you can plan for and which you can’t. If you didn’t read the terms and conditions, many apps and websites have built-in help features that explain the terms in plain language, or you may find an internet search helps you discover this information.

While it may seem like a lot of work, it’s worth taking the time to explore these features and learn more about what options are available to you.

What now?
A quick internet search can provide a wealth of information on how to plan for your digital legacy, including articles, blog posts, and tutorial videos (I’ve included a few key links below)

Tutorials and guides can give you a better understanding of what’s involved in the process and help you make informed decisions about how to manage your digital assets.

It’s important to keep in mind that planning for your digital legacy is a personal and unique process, and what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to do your own research and explore different options to find the best approach for your individual needs and preferences.

The hardest part is getting started, so why not begin making that list of your accounts today?

Key links:

• Be Connected: How to prepare your digital legacy
• ACCAN: Managing Digital Legacy Brochure
• Example: My Digital Legacy Template

If you’re interested in learning more about Digital Legacy or other ways to lift your Digital Capability, our nbn Community and Business Ambassadors are available to provide free Information Sessions. Email nbnsessions@nbn.com.au for more information.