Facebook has something they want to talk to you about. It’s kind of a big deal, so sit down and be ready to think hard about what they will ask you. They want to know *dramatic pause* what you want to do with your Facebook in the event of your untimely death.
Heavy stuff, right? Though we jest about the importance of including Facebook in a type of will, the feature they announced today can actually save your loved ones a great deal of heartache. According to Facebook’s release, the feature allows users to select someone as their “legacy contact.” What that means is you can choose a family member or friend—thankfully they don’t make you choose just family—and that person will have control of the account when you pass away.
When someone alerts Facebook to a user’s passing through a memorialization request, the legacy contact will be able to write a post that will stay at the top of the deceased’s timeline for announcements. They’ll be able to respond to new friend requests for those who want to contribute to the memorialized page and they will also be able to update the profile and cover photos.
You also have a few more intrusive options. You can choose to allow your contact to be able to download all of your photos, posts and information shared on your profile. But some information is still private: The legacy contact won’t be able to actually log in as you, nor can they see any private messages.
And if you choose, you can basically tell Facebook to self-destruct: Users can choose to have Facebook permanently close down their profile in the event of their death.
At the end of the legacy contact selection process, Facebook thoughtfully suggests that you send that person a message alerting them to their new duties. They even think you should go a step further and talk to them in person about it.
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