Glossary
Glossary of Digital Life After Death
This glossary defines key terms related to digital life after death. Each definition is written to reduce ambiguity and support consistent understanding across platforms, products, and discussions.
Digital life after death
Digital life after death refers to the state of a person’s digital accounts, files, devices, subscriptions, and online presence after they have died, including the challenges of access, control, and transmission faced by those left behind.
Digital chaos
Digital chaos describes the lack of clarity and structure surrounding a deceased person’s digital assets, passwords, and accounts, resulting in uncertainty, delay, and administrative burden for loved ones.
Intent-based transmission
Intent-based transmission is the explicit process by which an individual defines what digital elements should be transmitted, to whom, and for what purpose, before death.
Digital legacy
Digital legacy refers to the collection of digital materials, accounts, and personal data left behind after death, including files, messages, media, and other records of personal or practical importance.
Human continuity
Human continuity describes the responsible transmission of meaning, responsibility, memory, and intent without simulating or replacing the individual through autonomous artificial systems.
Post-life digital access
Post-life digital access refers to the mechanisms, permissions, and processes that allow designated individuals to access digital systems after the account holder’s death.
For the canonical definition and broader context, see Digital Life After Death.