Facebook: Users have more choices for after they dieSFlb

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Facebook is making it easier to plan for your online afterlife.

The world’s biggest online social network said Thursday that it will let users pick someone who can manage their account after they die. Previously, the accounts were “memorialized” after death, or locked so that no one could log in.

But Facebook says its users wanted more choice. Beginning in the U.S., Facebook users can pick a “legacy contact” to post on their page after they die, respond to new friend requests and update their profile picture and cover photo. Users also can have their accounts deleted after their death, which was not possible before.

If you want someone to manage your account after you die, click on the upside-down triangle on the top right corner of your page, open “settings” and find “security.” For U.S. users, there will be an option to edit your legacy contact, who must be a Facebook user. But you don’t have to pick someone else to manage your account. You also can check a box to permanently delete your account when you die.

The person you choose to manage your account won’t be notified of your choice until your Facebook account is memorialized. But you can send them a message before. Facebook also will send you an annual reminder of your choice. This could help if the person dies before you do, for example, or if your friendship cools as the years pass.

If you give your contact additional permission, they will be able to download and archive your photos, posts and profile information after you die. They will not be able to access your private messages. To log into your account, they will have to use their own Facebook login — they won’t be able to sign in as you.

Facebook accounts are memorialized at the request of loved ones, who must provide proof of the person’s death, such as an obituary.