Protecting Digital Assets, Including Photos, Social Media, and Online Accounts

In today’s world, much of what we own and create exists online. From family photos stored in the cloud to years of posts on social media, our digital assets tell the story of who we are. Yet many people overlook these assets when planning for the future. Without a clear plan, loved ones can face major obstacles trying to access, manage, or preserve your online accounts after you’re gone.

Estate planning in Pennsylvania isn’t just about physical property anymore. It also includes everything that exists in digital form — your photos, videos, emails, social media, cryptocurrency, and more. Understanding how to protect and pass on these assets is now an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan.

Understanding What Counts as a Digital Asset

Digital assets cover a wide range of online and electronic property. Some are financial in nature, while others have sentimental or practical value. Common examples include:

Online accounts such as email, banking, or subscription services
Social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn
Cloud storage containing photos, videos, or personal documents
Cryptocurrency and digital wallets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum
Online businesses or websites including e-commerce accounts or blogs
Digital files like music, ebooks, or software licenses

Even loyalty programs or frequent flyer miles can have value. Anything that lives online, has a password, or requires digital access should be included in your estate planning discussions.

Why Digital Assets Need Special Attention

Unlike physical property, digital assets often exist behind passwords, encryption, and privacy settings. Even if your loved ones know about your accounts, they might not have legal authority to access them.

Federal privacy laws, such as the Stored Communications Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, limit unauthorized access to online accounts. That means family members could face legal barriers if you haven’t provided clear instructions or consent.

Pennsylvania, like many states, has adopted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA). This law allows fiduciaries—such as executors, trustees, or agents under a power of attorney—to manage digital assets under certain conditions. However, they can only access information if you’ve given explicit permission in your estate planning documents.

Without that authorization, service providers are not required to release your account information. In many cases, they won’t.

Creating an Inventory of Your Digital Assets

A practical first step is to take stock of what you own online. Creating a digital inventory helps you understand what’s out there and what’s important to include in your estate plan.

What to include in your inventory
Your list might include:

Login details for email and social media accounts
Online banking, investment, or payment apps like PayPal and Venmo
Cloud storage or file-sharing services
Accounts for utilities, insurance, or healthcare portals
Any monetized platforms such as YouTube or Etsy
Digital currencies or NFTs

Where to store your inventory
Once you’ve made your list, store it securely. Many people keep this information in a password manager or encrypted document. Avoid putting passwords directly into your will, since that document becomes public during probate. Instead, you can reference a secure location where your executor can find the necessary access details.

Giving Legal Authority to Manage Your Digital Assets

Your estate plan should clearly name who has authority to handle your digital property. This can be the same person who manages your general estate or someone else entirely, depending on your preferences.

Ways to grant digital authority
Here are three common ways to grant this authority:

Your Will – Include specific language about your digital assets and who should access or manage them.
Power of Attorney – Authorize your agent to handle your online accounts if you become incapacitated.
Trusts – For assets like cryptocurrency or digital income streams, a trust can provide clearer management and continuity.

Each document should specify what rights the person has—whether they can view, modify, delete, or transfer accounts. Vague instructions can lead to confusion or disputes, so clarity is key.

Managing Photos and Social Media Accounts

Your photos and social media pages often hold the most personal meaning. Yet after death, they can also become some of the hardest assets to recover.

Platform-specific options
Different platforms have different policies:

Facebook allows you to name a “legacy contact” who can manage a memorialized account.
Google offers an Inactive Account Manager feature that lets you decide what happens to your data after a certain period of inactivity.
Apple provides a “Legacy Contact” option for access to iCloud data.

If you don’t set up these options, your family may not be able to retrieve photos, posts, or messages. Taking time to activate these features now can spare loved ones a great deal of stress later.

Protecting Financial and Business-Related Digital Assets

Digital assets aren’t limited to personal memories. Many people earn income or store value online. This might include:

Cryptocurrency holdings
Online stores or websites
Affiliate marketing accounts
Investment portfolios managed through apps

Documenting valuable digital property
For these, accurate documentation is essential. Cryptocurrency, in particular, can be lost forever if access keys are not shared properly. Your estate plan should specify where keys or wallet access details are stored and who is authorized to use them.

If you run an online business, include instructions about domain renewals, website hosting, and payment accounts. Consider designating a successor who can continue operating or winding down the business according to your wishes.

Security and Privacy Considerations

While sharing access is important, protecting your privacy and security is equally vital. Never list passwords directly in legal documents or share them through unencrypted emails.

Safer ways to share access
Instead, consider these approaches:

Use a password manager that allows you to name an emergency contact.
Store sensitive details in a secure digital vault or encrypted drive.
Regularly review and update your inventory to remove old accounts or update passwords.

Keep in mind that your executor or trustee doesn’t need full access to everything. For example, you may want them to close certain accounts without viewing private communications. Thoughtful instructions can balance privacy with practicality.

Updating Your Digital Estate Plan

Technology changes fast. Platforms update policies, new accounts get added, and passwords change. That’s why reviewing your digital estate plan regularly is crucial.

When to review your plan
Revisit your plan when:

You open or close significant online accounts
You change your main devices or password systems
A major life event occurs, such as marriage, divorce, or relocation
You revise your broader estate plan

Even small updates can make a big difference in ensuring your executor can carry out your wishes without delays.

Why Work with an Estate Planning Attorney

Handling digital assets requires both legal and technical understanding. A Pennsylvania estate planning attorney can help you:

Identify which digital assets need to be addressed
Draft language that complies with RUFADAA
Integrate your online property into your will, trust, or power of attorney
Coordinate with financial and technology professionals to ensure secure storage and transfer

Each estate is unique. Working with an experienced attorney ensures your plan reflects your specific needs while protecting loved ones from unnecessary complications.

Conclusion

Your digital life is a valuable part of your legacy. From treasured photos to essential financial records, these assets deserve the same attention as your home or bank accounts. By taking time to document, secure, and legally authorize access to your online accounts, you provide clarity and peace of mind for your family.

If you live in Pennsylvania and are ready to include your digital assets in your estate plan, consider speaking with an estate planning attorney. They can guide you through the process and help ensure every part of your legacy—both physical and digital—is protected for the future.