A digital will is one of the most important tools that very few people know about — and even fewer use. Every year thousands of families face a concrete problem: their loved one has passed away, and nobody knows how to access their accounts, files or online money.
What is a digital will
A digital will is a document — physical or digital — that collects all the information necessary to manage one's digital assets after death. Unlike a traditional will, which deals with physical assets and money, a digital will covers:
- Online accounts (email, social media, subscriptions)
- Digital files and documents (photos, videos, documents)
- Passwords and access credentials
- Cryptocurrencies and digital assets with economic value
- Instructions for heirs
It doesn't replace a traditional will — it complements it.
The legal landscape in 2026
Most countries still lack specific legislation on digital wills. However, general inheritance principles apply:
- Digital assets with economic value (cryptocurrencies, domains, monetised accounts) are part of the estate
- Personal content (emails, messages, photos) is subject to privacy regulations
- Platforms are not obligated to grant heirs access without legal proceedings
The German ruling of 2018
In 2018 the German Federal Court ruled that heirs have full right to access the deceased's Facebook account — equating digital rights to the right to access physical letters. This ruling has influenced the European debate on digital inheritance.
How to create a digital will
Approach 1: Paper document
The simplest but riskiest method. It gets lost, deteriorates, can be found by unauthorised people, and doesn't update automatically.
Approach 2: Password manager with shared access
Tools like Bitwarden or 1Password allow creating a shareable vault. Always updated and secure, but requires total trust in the person you share with.
Approach 3: Dedicated digital legacy service
The most complete solution. EternalMemory offers encrypted storage, heir management, automatic delivery via Dead Man's Switch, scheduled messages and a posthumous message — all with zero-knowledge encryption.
Digital will vs traditional will
| Aspect | Traditional will | Digital will |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Physical assets, money | Files, accounts, memories |
| Legal form | Required | Not required |
| Notary | Required | Not required |
| Updating | Costly and complex | Easy and immediate |
| Privacy | Public record | Completely private |
| Delivery | After probate | Automatic |
What does it cost
EternalMemory offers:
- Trial plan: Free for 7 days, full access
- Family plan: €149 one-time — 50 GB, 3 heirs, forever
- Memoria plan: €299 one-time — 200 GB, 15 heirs, voice messages
No monthly subscription. Pay once and your data is protected forever.
The 5 most common mistakes
- Waiting for the right moment — There is no right moment. It's now.
- Relying on someone's memory — "My wife already knows everything" — but does she really know all the passwords?
- Not updating information — Changed passwords make a 5-year-old digital will useless.
- Not designating digital heirs — Knowing files exist doesn't mean being able to access them.
- Confusing privacy with secrecy — You can deliver passwords safely, only at the right moment.
⚠️ This article is for informational purposes only. For specific legal advice consult a lawyer specialising in digital law.
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