Examining how major platforms handle account lifecycles and data access after user inactivity or death.
We look at the distinct policies implemented by Google and Apple for digital legacy management.
What's happening to Google accounts?
Google has offered an inactive account management tool since 2013, so that users can plan what happens to their data. Through it, the user can choose to have their files deleted after three, six or twelve months of inactivity, or to have them sent to up to ten selected people.
If the user has not set anything up beforehand, Google's systems proceed to delete the account after at least two years of no activity. In the event that there is no setting and a relative wants to request the account to be closed, they can contact the company, although Google does not give anyone access to the deceased's personal data.
What's happening to Apple accounts?
Apple takes a different approach, allowing users to designate up to five people as legacy contacts for their data and devices. To do this, a special digital key is created within the account settings.
After a user's death, those individuals can access their iCloud files by providing a death certificate and the access key. Once approved, they have three years to download the data before the account is permanently deleted. This access does not include purchased content, such as music, movies, or books.
If no legacy contact is set, Apple sends a warning email after one year of inactivity in iCloud and permanently deletes the account thirty days later.
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