Facebook has become an integral part of many people’s lives, serving as a way to stay connected with friends and family. However, what happens to someone’s Facebook account after they die? This is a complex issue with no straightforward answer. Facebook does have policies and procedures in place for memorializing or deleting deceased users’ accounts, but the exact processes depend on who is requesting it and whether certain verification steps can be completed.
Memorializing vs. Deleting an Account
When a loved one passes away, family members often wonder what will happen to that person’s Facebook profile and account. There are two options: memorializing or permanently deleting the account.
Memorializing an account turns the deceased user’s profile into a memorial page. It preserves their photos, posts, and information as a place for friends and family to gather and share memories. The memorialized profile will not appear in public places like the Friends feed. Some key aspects of a memorialized account include:
– Only confirmed friends can see posts on the memorialized Timeline or locate it in search results
– No one can log into a memorialized account
– Memorialized accounts cannot create new friend requests
– Posts, photos, and profile information remain untouched
Deleting an account completely removes the deceased’s profile and all associated data. Once deleted, there is no way to regain access or information connected to that account. Facebook only allows verified immediate family members to request deletion.
The main difference is memorializing preserves the account as a read-only memorial, while deleting erases it entirely.
Who Can Request Account Memorialization or Deletion
Facebook has specific criteria for who can request memorialization or deletion of a deceased person’s account:
– Immediate family members, defined as spouses, parents, siblings, or children of the deceased
– Other verified family members or representatives
– Executors of the deceased user’s estate
The person making the request must provide proof of authority, such as estate executor paperwork or family member documentation.
For immediate family, Facebook may also prompt the requester to provide verification information related to the deceased user’s account. This includes confirming identities in photos, providing dates of meaningful life events, or identifying other people connected to the account.
The Memorialization Process
To memorialize someone’s Facebook account, an authorized family member must submit a special memorialization request. The form requires providing a copy of the death certificate or obituary that includes the date of death.
Once Facebook verifies the request:
– The word “Remembering” will appear next to the deceased’s name at the top of their profile
– The profile and information will switch into a memorialized state
– Friends and family can continue to post on the memorialized Timeline
Memorial requests typically take about 24 hours to complete after valid documentation is provided. The account remains fully functional until the memorialization is finalized.
Requesting Account Deletion
While many choose memorialization to preserve memories, others may prefer complete deletion. Here are the steps to permanently delete a deceased loved one’s Facebook account:
1. Submit a valid request as an immediate family member with proof of authority. Deletion requests require a copy of the death certificate.
2. Provide additional verification details, if prompted, to confirm identity.
3. Once approved, Facebook will schedule the account for permanent deletion. This process may take up to 30 days.
4. Continue accessing the active account as usual during this waiting period, if desired.
5. After 30 days, the account and all associated data is gone forever. This cannot be undone.
Facebook does not allow friends or extended family (beyond parents, siblings, children, spouses) to request deleting accounts. The option is only presented to verified immediate family members.
Considerations About Deleting an Account
While memorializing preserves memories, deleting an account erases them. This can be upsetting or controversial for some friends and family members who may want to access posts and photos connected to the deceased.
Some things to discuss before requesting permanent account deletion:
– Are other family members okay with deleting the account forever? This cannot be reversed.
– Consider downloading important data, photos, or posts as records before deletion.
– Know that friends and family will no longer be able to visit or engage with the deceased person’s profile after it’s deleted.
– Any information shared solely on that Facebook account will be gone.
– Facebook may take up to 30 days to fully delete everything.
– Talk to your family about your own account deletion wishes to avoid issues later.
Leaving an Account As-Is
If immediate family members do not request memorialization or deletion within 30 days of the reported death date, Facebook will lock the account in a memorialized state.
This prevents anyone from logging in while still allowing friends and family to see posts and interact with the memorialized profile. Accounts left unattended eventually enter this locked memorial status.
However, submitting an active memorialization or deletion request is preferable for managing the account as desired.
Appointing a Legacy Contact
Facebook recently rolled out a new feature to allow members to assign a posthumous legacy contact. This contact can manage an account if it’s memorialized after death.
To set up a legacy contact:
– Go to the General Account Settings page
– Select the option for “Memorialization Settings”
– Here you can designate someone to look after your account when you pass away
This legacy contact does not override immediate family if they request something different. But it does provide a clear avenue for what to do with your Facebook profile after death.
Rules Around Impersonating Deceased People
It’s against Facebook policies to use a deceased person’s name or image to impersonate them. Fake accounts pretending to be someone who passed away will be removed as soon as they are reported or discovered.
Sometimes loved ones wish to post updates pretending to be the deceased by logging into their account. This violates Facebook’s terms around misrepresentation.
While the emotions are understandable, it’s healthiest for family and friends to share memories from their own accounts. Impersonation prevents proper grieving and moving forward.
Conclusion
Facebook offers options to either memorialize or permanently delete someone’s account after they pass away. Submitting an authorized request is the only way to enact either option. Without a request, accounts eventually enter locked memorial status. Discuss your preferences with immediate family to avoid issues later. Preserving memories or deleting data are personal choices for each individual.