Influencers and digital assets: how to assess a digital estate

A digital estate comprises a diverse set of assets and legal relationships related to information stored on digital media.

To avoid complications arising from the inability to transfer digital assets to heirs, it is essential to plan in advance using specific legal instruments provided by law.

Since the actual extent of one’s digital estate is not always immediately apparent, the first step should be to conduct a thorough assessment and prepare a detailed inventory. This can be facilitated using online platforms that specialize in such services.

Nevertheless, engaging professionals in the field remains the best way to fully evaluate all available options.
The inventory serves as a valuable tool to gain a clear understanding of the economic value of the digital estate. It helps distinguish between digital assets of monetary value—those intended to be passed on to heirs—and those the owner wishes to have deleted post mortem, thereby exercising their right to be forgotten.

To this end, individuals may execute a post-mortem mandate, ensuring that their wishes are correctly implemented after death.

Other legal instruments for transferring digital inheritance include:

• a last will and testament;
• a legacy of access credentials (e.g., password bequest).

There are countless possible scenarios. A digital estate may include, for example:

• social media accounts with thousands of followers (such as those of an influencer);
• a well-established and reputable eBay account;
• ownership of digital content platforms (e.g., music, video);
• a website with high domain authority and SEO relevance.

These and other assets, which may appear to have little value at first glance, can become significant sources of income in the hands of skilled individuals.
For this reason, it is crucial to plan and evaluate the digital estate carefully, to ensure its fair distribution.

Furthermore, companies like Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) have since adapted their platforms to allow heirs to take control of a deceased user’s account. This was not possible prior to 2019.

Relying on a specialized consulting and support firm is often the most effective approach.
Agenzia delle Successioni is composed of various professionals who offer initial consultations on how to manage digital inheritance.