Not regulated: digital estate

93% of internet users have not made arrangements for this "digital estate" in the event of their death. This is the result of a representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom.

According to the survey, around eight out of ten (78 percent) internet users state that they would like to settle their digital estate but lack the information to do so.

"In addition to social media profiles or personal emails, the digital estate often also contains important data on insurance policies or investments"

says Bitkom CEO Bernhard Rohleder. Bitkom therefore advises a conscious and open approach to the topic and provides some tips.

In contrast to inheritance law for tangible assets, there are still no legal regulations for dealing with digital estates. Every user should therefore record in writing how and by whom this digital data will be managed after death.

Their deletion can also be ordered. This can be regulated in a will or a power of attorney. Like any will, such dispositions must comply with the statutory formal requirements.

Arrangements should be made for access to online services such as social networks, email accounts or cloud services in particular, as heirs do not automatically have access.