In today’s world, our digital lives don’t just stop when we do. Social media profiles, email accounts, cloud services, and subscriptions often remain active unless someone steps in to close them.
This can feel like a strange and emotionally complex task—especially when grieving. That’s why many families turn to Fairlight for help navigating the digital side of loss with care and clarity.
Why digital accounts matter after death
Leaving digital accounts open can:
Lead to identity theft or account misuse
Cause ongoing subscription charges
Create distress when accounts remain active and visible
Leave personal data, messages, or photos vulnerable
Fairlight can help ensure these accounts are closed, protected, or memorialised—whatever suits your wishes best.
Common Platforms and What You’ll Need
You can choose to memorialise the account (preserving it with a “Remembering” banner) or request removal.
You’ll need to submit a request with a death certificate and optional proof of relationship.
Helpful link: Memorialise or remove a Facebook account
Instagram
Submit a request to memorialise or delete the account.
Provide a death certificate and your contact information.
Helpful link: Instagram memorialisation and removal
Google / Gmail / YouTube
Google offers a form to request data access, account closure, or content removal.
This typically requires a court order or proof of authority.
Helpful link: Google Account support after death
Recovering Memories & Protecting Privacy
Sometimes, digital accounts are the last place we find photos, videos, or voice notes. Fairlight can help retrieve and archive sentimental data from cloud accounts (where possible), and ensure these memories are passed on safely to the family.
Let Fairlight take care of the digital load
Closing a social media account might seem small—but when you’re grieving, even one login screen can feel like too much. We’ll take it off your hands and treat it with the same dignity and care we bring to every other task.
👉 Need help with a specific platform? Reach out anytime → Contact Us
