Wired reports no clear way to pass on digital assets after death

Wired reports today that there is no clear way to pass on digital assets to loved ones after death, as platforms and laws remain inconsistent. It matters now because more of life is locked behind accounts and passkeys, leaving families to navigate closures, access requests, and probate. Wired says even with planning, heirs can face delays depending on the service.

According to Wired, tools like Apple’s Legacy Contact, Google’s Inactive Account Manager, and Facebook’s Legacy settings help but do not cover encrypted backups, crypto wallets, domain names, or subscription credits. The report outlines steps worth taking now, including naming legacy contacts, enabling inactive-account timeouts, documenting holdings, and setting emergency access in password managers while tracking state rules such as RUFADAA. Watch for updates to platform policies, new legislation on digital estates, and moves to standardize posthumous access. [Developing. This article will be updated.]