Legal experts suggest that a person, at any stage of his life, must have an “estate plan” for his assets, movable and immovable, tangible and intangible. They even go to the extent of suggesting such a plan for the minor children: who do you want to be their guardian, should the unthinkable happen. A Will or a Trust is very often a part of such a plan.
My thoughts today go to an estate plan for our digital assets; all that you have published in the cyberspace, including your Blogs and Facebook postings. Who should own their copyright/ intellectual property rights? Who should have the right to use or publish or re-publish these.
More importantly, would you like to bequeath your passwords to anyone? Passwords of your Facebook, Linkdin, Gmail, Blogs....... and, of course, online bank accounts. Do you think any of your family or friends could actually continue to make you “live” in the cyberspace, long after you have actually departed?
THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS: Suggestions and comments are welcome. (kbs.sidhu@gmail.com)
