If something happened to you, are your online accounts safeguarded?
In today’s interconnected world, ensuring our online information is secure is an essential part of modern life. Whether you’re using social media, email, or mobile devices, it’s important to be informed about how to protect and manage your digital legacy.
Three of the most popular and widely used platforms in the world are Google (Alphabet), Apple, and Meta. I was mind-blown to read these statistics:
Meta (formerly Facebook):
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Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, have a combined user base of approximately 244 million Americans as of 2023.
Google:
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Google dominates the search engine market globally, with Google Search holding over 90% of the market share as of 2023. Additionally, Android, Google’s mobile operating system, commands around 51% of the U.S. market share.
Apple:
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Apple’s iOS, powering iPhones and iPads, holds approximately 50% of the smartphone market share in the United States, with over 125 million iPhone users.
How many users know their options for safeguarding these accounts if something were to happen to them?
While I was unable to find you a statistical answer to this question, what I can tell you is this:
Based on conversations I’ve had with colleagues, friends, and clients, I estimate less than 30% of Americans have their legacy and emergency contacts in place.
If we take the number of Meta users as an example, that would mean nearly 171 million Americans don’t have their Meta accounts safeguarded!
To make sure that you are not one of these people, I’ve shared the instructions on how to set up your emergency or legacy contact for each of these major companies in the links below.
Apple (iOS Devices):
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Emergency Contacts in Health App: Use Emergency SOS – Apple Support
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Legacy Contact for iCloud: How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple ID – Apple Support
Meta (Facebook):
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Legacy Contact Settings: Add, change, or remove your legacy contact on Facebook | Facebook Help Center
Google (Android Devices):
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Setting Emergency Contacts in Android: Get help during an emergency with your Android phone – Android Help (google.com)
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Google Inactive Account Manager: About Inactive Account Manager – Google Account Help
While this list is not comprehensive of all digital accounts, you can ensure your digital legacy is more protected and managed according to your wishes by taking these proactive steps.
After Loss Advisors is ready to support you in these and all other aspects of your legacy and estate organization. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to see how we might be able to work together.
Here’s to being empowered in managing your digital life!
