BOULDER, Colo. (KUSA) — The University of Colorado Boulder has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping families manage and preserve digital assets after a loved one’s death. The Digital Legacy Clinic, which opened on Monday, provides free advice and troubleshooting for managing various online accounts and digital legacies.
A Growing Need for Digital Legacy Management
The clinic, founded by Jed Brubaker, a professor in the Department of Information Science, operates similarly to a pro bono law clinic, but instead of legal advice, it offers help with digital affairs. Brubaker explained the growing complexity of managing digital assets, saying, “People need a helping hand when it comes to navigating the complexities of deciding what to do with all their different accounts, so putting the clinic together is the way to get that public outreach.”
The clinic targets the increasing digital footprint that individuals leave behind. According to Brubaker, the average internet user has as many as 191 online accounts, but only 13% of these platforms have features designed to address users’ end-of-life needs. This gap can cause complications when family members attempt to access or manage digital accounts, such as social media profiles, cloud storage, or email accounts, after someone passes away.
Key Services Offered by the Clinic
The Digital Legacy Clinic provides personalized assistance to families and individuals facing the challenge of dealing with deceased loved ones’ digital affairs. This may include helping to access photos, videos, and documents stored in accounts like Google or iCloud, which are often locked behind passwords that family members may not know.
Brubaker emphasized the deeply personal nature of digital legacies, explaining, “At the end of the day, what people need and what they want ends up being deeply personal and that means that the way we approach our services is deeply personal as well.”
However, it’s important to note that the clinic does not provide advice on financial matters, such as handling bank accounts or assets. Its primary focus is on digital records and ensuring that memories and information are preserved for future generations.
Training the Next Generation of Digital Experts
In addition to assisting the public, the clinic provides an educational opportunity for CU Boulder students. These students are specially trained in information science and gain hands-on experience by working with real-world cases. Brubaker believes this exposure helps students grow and adapt to the digital age, where more of our lives are being conducted online.
“This allows us then to create policy, intervene on tech companies, and help create the standards we want to govern the space moving forward,” he added.
A Step Forward in Digital Preservation
The Digital Legacy Clinic marks an important step in addressing the challenges of digital afterlife management. With an increasing amount of personal information stored online, having a resource like this will likely prove invaluable to many who struggle to navigate the complexities of modern digital life.
Families seeking assistance can access the clinic’s services online.
