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How to gain data access to accounts of our dead near and dear

Gaining access to the social media and other online accounts of a loved one who has passed away is a difficult task, especially if the person did not leave behind any instructions on how to do so. However, there are steps that can be taken in order to gain access to these accounts.

First, copy of a death certificate issued by the governing municipality or the state’s office or the county’s clerk desk is usually required. Additionally, a family link certificate with the deceased is also essential, as it helps the tech giants and financial institutions know the relationship of the claimant with the dead. Furthermore, a letter of the Testamentary helps to give the claimant legal access to the property of the deceased.

Once the required documents have been obtained, the claimant can then make a direct approach to the tech company through the proper channel. Companies such as Facebook, Pay Pal, Twitter, Google, and Instagram each have a support page to file a claim. Banks, however, do not have an automated online process and require the claimant to visit the institution in person with the required documents.

Google has set-up a web page titled “Inactive Account Manager” which allows a user to alert their loved ones in the event of their account staying inactive for a specified period of time. Microsoft also follows a similar process and asks for a power of attorney or will documentation and a government ID proof to provide access to the account. Mobile companies, on the other hand, no longer entertain online requests and require the claimant to visit their office in person.

In summary, gaining access to the social media and other accounts of a loved one who has passed away is a difficult task, but can be done by obtaining a copy of the death certificate, a family link certificate, and a letter of the Testamentary. Then, the claimant can make a direct approach to the tech company through the proper channel. Google and Microsoft both have processes in place to provide access to accounts in the event of a user’s death, while mobile companies require the claimant to visit their office in person.

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