A poll has shown that what becomes of a person’s digital legacy once they die is an area that may require greater clarity. The YouGov research commissioned by Mishcon de Reya has shown that 36% of respondents thought ownership of a Facebook profile of a deceased person passed to the site while 20% said next of kin.

Mishcon de Reya partner Mark Keenan said “It’s a legal minefield… there is no standard practice among companies for how ownership of digital assets are passed on.” The Law Society advises people to create clear instructions on what should become of their online accounts after they die. Gary Rycroft, a member of the Law Society Wills and Equity Committee, said doing so will make any action easier for executors.

News item supplied by Letter of the Law.

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