Google has begun a program designed to let the company know what users want them to do with their account and information when they die, or if the account becomes inactive for any other reason.
This so-called "Google Afterlife," or Inactive Account Manager, allows users to ask Google to delete their data and accounts after three, six, nine, or 12 months after the account becomes inactive, or Google can send the data to a specific person or persons. This includes any and all Gmail messages, Google Plus and Youtube accounts, blog posts, contacts, etc. After one final message to your secondary email and phone number, Google will pull the plug on your accounts, or shift control to your selected representative.
Google's Inactive Account Manager allows up to 10 separate contacts, with the user choosing verification details for the selected people. Once chosen, these contacts will get emails explaining the service, and details on what the original user's plan are, should the service be needed.
Google is implementing this service in wake of several noted stories (such as this) where individuals pass away, and family members are unable to access their digital accounts. Some family members who attempt to access a deceased family members email or social media information could violate a websites privacy policies or even break the law.
Laws in the United States do not treat digital assets like physical assets, meaning that somebody cannot will digital goods to somebody through a will like they would with real estate or bank accounts. This is because of a law passed in 1986 where the government forbids consumer electronic companies from disclosing a users information without their consent or government order. This has recently been interpreted as meaning that, even if the person is dead, they must give consent for a family to be able to access a digital account. Now Google has allowed an easy way for users to think ahead and give family members the ability to use their information, should anything happen.