When an online account is left unattended for a significant amount of time, it tends to sit idle on the Internet, collecting metaphorical dust and opening its owner to untold risks. This is because inactive or “stale” user accounts are not protected or maintained, and can lead to a loss of privacy, or worse, loss of certain assets. For this reason, many popular companies, such as Google, Apple, and others have created proprietary inactive account managers(IAM)/digital legacy managers on their platforms, along with other account holder data management features. 

But, these programs are not without their downfalls, and we’re going to talk about them. In this article, we’re addressing these inactive account manager options, what they are, and how trusting them could lead to devastating consequences. Then, we’re sharing some real-life alternatives and the best ways to protect digital identity.

What is an Inactive Account Manager?

Put simply, an inactive account manager is a tool that helps you put a plan into place for a specified online account, and all of its data, primarily for after the user dies. They only exist on certain platforms and must be set up manually to be recognized. IAM programs are important though, and address a critical question many people haven’t even asked yet: “What will happen to my account after I’m gone?”.

Inactive Account Managers are Not Everything They Seem to Be

While Google’s Inactive Account Manager, Apple’s Digital Legacy Program, and other similar resources are starting an important conversation, they are still in their infancy. These early tools are very basic and cannot be tailored or adjusted to meet specific needs. They also only protect one account on one platform, and still don’t exist everywhere. Even still, the accounts that they do protect could be left at-risk if the user fails to update it, or unwittingly keeps an unwanted person on their account. In reality, full trust in IAM programs could leave a family with dozens, or even hundreds, of unprotected, unlisted accounts after the death of a loved one. 

2 Major Risks Associated with Inactive Account Managers

IAM programs have a long way to go before they can offer full protection over an online account. As mentioned above, they are still quite new and will require some fine-tuning before they can work seamlessly with an estate. Here are the top risks connected with them.

They Need to be Updated Frequently

Inactive account managers are not automatic. As mentioned above, these tools require a manual setup and must be updated fairly frequently. Google’s IAM, for instance, relies on phone numbers to verify a person’s identity. This means that the user will be required to update their manager every time that person changes their phone number.

Each inactive account manager also limits the number of people who can gain access to the account. For Apple, it’s five legacy contacts, but for Google, it’s just one. This means that an estate could run into serious trouble if the account manager is not kept updated. Some things to consider:

• The relationship could disintegrate 

The chosen trusted contact must be taken very seriously. If the relationship deteriorates over time, it is critical for the account holder to remember to update the IAM. The last thing anyone wants is for private account data to be sent to someone who is angry or spiteful, and unwilling to help in an estate’s administration. 

• The contact could die

If the contact dies before the account holder does, their account could be left unattended and at-risk. This is another situation that requires the account holder to update their manager, which they may forget to do. One main issue here is that the content provider relies on the account holder to update and maintain their designee and records. They can see where and when IAM designees are changed or edited. This means that, if records aren’t kept accurate to other estate designations or fiduciaries, the content provider can assume the account holder didn’t want their information disclosed. This could result in the estate and loved ones being permanently locked out and unable to access important contents. 

There is a Hierarchy of Preferential Treatment

While an estate plan takes time to create and is legally sound, it does not match up to the proprietary tools within these platforms. This means that decisions made within an inactive account manager are going to be followed over those in an estate document. So if an estate plan has been updated to reflect a death or deteriorated relationship, but the account manager has not, the estate could run into trouble. 

What are the Alternatives to Inactive Account Managers?

Create a Digital Estate Plan

The most basic of alternatives is to create a digital asset succession plan. This is the tried-and-true method, and most estate plans have caught up with today’s technology. Creating a digital asset plan on your own can be time-consuming and tedious. It requires the detailing of each and every online account. This means that all digital assets must be listed, including:

• Online banking accounts
• Social media accounts
• Email accounts
• Online accounts for utilities
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Chatroom accounts
• Game accounts
• Ecommerce or marketplace accounts
• …and many more

Implement a Professional Digital Asset Succession Service

Digital Asset Succession Management is a new field, but a growing one. Companies in this industry, like Directive Communication Systems, specialize in online account management and digital property succession. And, DCS does so in a way that doesn’t burden loved ones, instead, clients enroll directly through their attorney, financial advisor, or insurance agent and then build their own directives portfolio with a simple, automated system. Just some benefits in working with DCS are:

• Provided access to a user-friendly, streamlined digital succession plan that allows for easy changes
• Ability to assign more than one contact for accounts and contents
• Recognized importance of financial accounts and succession that is addressed in a timely and effective manner
• Provided data and logs of decisions so updates are recorded according to a client’s wishes
• Maintained awareness of the contacts receiving data to benefit fiduciaries
• Protected passwords and bank-level security, as well as continued compliance to privacy and fiduciary laws and content provider Terms of Service Agreements.

Your Digital Presence Matters Too

In today’s digital world, people are sharing more of themselves than they ever have before. Private information, secure financial accounts, and more can be accessed online without the proper protections in place. In the event of death, these assets are left even more vulnerable. However, putting in the proper effort beforehand can save a family significant amounts of time, trouble, and heartache. 

The introduction of inactive account managers is finally getting people to think about their digital presence after death, and make important decisions for when the time comes. However, these tools have their own pitfalls and risks associated with them. That’s why all-inclusive solutions, like Directive Communication Systems, provide you with the most protection. Contact DCS today to learn more.