Chapter One Death and Data We all leave traces. On our computers, on our smartphones, on the internet. But does our data die with us?
Chapter One Switching Off #RIP
Ivana is 25. She has been on the internet since the age of 15. That's ten years of data - Facebook messages, emails, Tweets, Youtube videos, and Instagram pictures.
It's hard to estimate just how much data Ivana has produced in those years. But a look at universal figures shows the magnitude of the problem. Every minute, email users worldwide send over 200 million messages, Facebook users share 2.5 million pieces of content, and Youtube users upload 48 hours of video.
The internet never forgets any of that. Unless, of course, somebody actively deletes it. But how easy is that? Ivana has taken a look at her four biggest social media profiles to see what will happen with them if she dies.
Chapter Two Passing on the mess
Ivana now knows what to do with her online data. But what about her offline data? Things like confidential work documents, pictures and videos she keeps on her computer.
A growing number of companies try to find solutions. Many offer encrypted data storage. Their customers can upload private data that they want their families to have after they die. But there is one problem: Most of these companies are based in the US.
As an investigative journalist with lots of confidential information, Ivana is concerned about leaving her data under US jurisdiction. Instead, she starts looking for a company in Europe.
Eventually, she finds Digital Heritage, a start-up founded by two sisters in Munich. Their idea grew out of personal experiences.
Chapter Three Forever Online Ivana has taken control of her online data. And she has sorted through the mess on her computer. But what if she actually wants something of herself to remain?
A Digital Memorial
The internet has become a place where people grieve. Friends share memories on Facebook pages, they light virtual candles or leave flowers on especially designed memorial pages. For many, this is cathartic: It helps to talk about the person they've lost.
Maybe then, the internet is not just a mess that needs to be controlled. Maybe it also offers possibilities: To live on, to be remembered just the way you want to be. By creating your own memorial page before you die, or by recording messages you want your friends and family to see after you're gone.
Ivana has done just that.
