With 3.03 billion active users, Facebook is more than just a social network; it’s commonplace for friends and family to connect. When someone dies, many loved ones struggle with account closures and memorialization. After all, social media is so popular that it seems wrong to shut down a gentle reminder of their presence.
Facebook allows users to choose one of two options when a loved one dies: memorialize the account or delete it completely. The final decision will depend on your personal preferences unless the deceased has indicated otherwise.
What is a Memorialized Facebook Profile?
A Facebook memorialized account is a common place for family and friends to gather and post memories after an individual dies. After the account is memorialized, “Remembering” will appear above the person’s profile. Memorialized accounts will prevent attempted logins and fraudulent activity. Any content shared or posted by the deceased individual will remain on Facebook, and all sharing settings will stay in place. Using another person’s account is against Facebook’s Terms of Service; they will not provide the sign-in details for a memorialized account, even when someone passes away.
If your loved one has a legacy contact in place, that individual will act as the account holder for the profile. The legacy contact can manage the memorialized profile by visiting the main profile and selecting the bottom right of the cover photo. The account management option will appear, allowing the legacy contact to pin a post, change the profile and cover photo, and respond to new friend requests. A legacy contact can also request the removal of the profile.
How to Memorialize a Facebook Profile
After a loved one passes away, individuals can contact Facebook to request a memorialization of the account. Users must provide a direct link to the appropriate Facebook account (the URL at the top of the page), their email, the exact date of passing, and proof of death. Proof of death may include an obituary, death certificate, memorial card, or other confirmation of death. All documentation must match the profile name exactly, or Facebook will deny the request.
Will Facebook Memorialize All Accounts?
When notifying Facebook of someone’s passing, the company will automatically memorialize an account. The only exception to this rule is when an account holder has requested permanent account deletion after death. In these situations, notifying Facebook of their passing will result in immediate account deletion.
How to Delete a Facebook Profile
To remove a loved one’s account from Facebook, individuals must provide documentation to confirm they are an executor or immediate family member of the account holder. Additionally, you’ll need to supply a photo of the death certificate. Should you not have the death certificate, you can provide proof of authority and proof of passing.
The listed name on the documentation must match your loved one’s account information. When sending the request to Facebook, block out any unrequired information (including the social security number and address).
There are a few different documents Facebook accepts as proof, including:
Proof of Loved One Passing Away
- Death Certificate
- Memorial Card
- Obituary
Proof of Authority
- Birth Certificate (if the deceased is a minor)
- Last Will and Testament
- Power of Attorney
What Happens When Facebook Deletes an Account?
Deleting your loved one's Facebook profile is a permanent decision. You can’t access an account once it’s deleted, and all information relating to the account, including chats, photos, posts, and tagged posts, is instantly deleted.
How to Request Sign-In Details for Facebook
Although you won’t need any sign-in details to memorialize or delete a deceased person’s profile, there are circumstances where you might want to access the account. If you happen to know the user's email and password, choose the “Forgot Password” option on the sign-in page. This method will allow you to reset the password on the account using two-step authentication and email access.
There are rare situations when Facebook will consider requests for account information or content. You must prove you’re an authorized representative and a court order requesting this information. Submitting a request and filing the required documents does not guarantee access to your loved one’s account.
Final Thoughts
Currently, two options are available for individuals wanting to close a loved one’s Facebook account. These options include memorializing the account or permanently deleting the profile. Memorializing the account prevents user sign-in and allows others to interact with the profile.
Deleting the account will remove all information connected to it. It is a permanent decision that removes personal details, photos, videos, and content. Making the right selection will depend on the family’s wishes and what’s best for your family.
Rather than having someone determine what happens to their digital accounts, users should always consider legacy planning. This planning allows users to specify what they want done with their online accounts, including social media. Elayne helps employees and their families with digital estate paperwork, online legacy planning, and account closures so your family won’t have to worry. Contact us now and discover how to bring Elayne to your organization today.
