What happens to someone’s Facebook if they pass away?
Facebook recently introduced options for users allowing them to control what happens to a loved one’s account if they pass. As we reported previously, the new feature allow you people nominate a “legacy contact” who will have control over the account in the event of death. The feature is currently only available in the United States but Facebook has said it will be rolled out to the rest of the word, although there's been no indication when it will be introduced in Australia. Until then, here is what you need to know about handling Facebook accounts if someone passes away.
Currently, if a loved one dies, you can request their Facebook account to be deleted or memorialised.
Memoralised accounts
The purpose of memorialised accounts are to turn their Facebook profiles into a place for friends and family to gather and share memories. They have the following features:
- The word “Remembering” will be shown next to the person’s name on their profile to indicate it is a memorialised account.
- The person’s content such as photos and posts will stay on their Facebook and be visible to the audience it was shared with.
- Memorialised profiles will not appear in public spaces such as birthday reminders, ads or be suggested as “People You May Know”.
- Once accounts have been memorialised, nobody can log in and it cannot be changed. This is to protect the security of the account.
To place a memorialisation request on Facebook, click here.
Delete account
Family members can ask us to remove their loved one's account from Facebook. Your request must include one of the following:
- Death certificate
- Court document confirming power of attorney
- Birth certificate
- Last will and testament
Image credit: dolphfyn / Shutterstock.com
To request a Facebook account to be deleted, click here.
Related links:
3 hidden Facebook features you’ll want to know about
Easy ways to connect with friends and family on Facebook