Published Paper Details:

As our lives become more intertwined with digital technologies, we leave behind extensive online footprints--everything from social media posts to cloud files--that often linger even after we pass away. The idea of a digital afterlife revolves around how this data and our digital personas continue to exist, are managed, or even "live on" after we're gone. Research and industry activity are increasingly showing that many users are either unaware of or unprepared for their digital legacies. Meanwhile, new technologies like AI chatbots, avatars, and holograms are emerging, claiming to simulate or preserve the essence of the deceased through their data. These advancements bring about a host of legal, ethical, and emotional challenges: ownership of data is often murky since platforms typically hold the rights to the content, and while some may find comfort in interacting with a "digital ghost," for others, it can intensify their grief. This paper delves into the literature surrounding the digital afterlife, exploring technical solutions, user behaviors, legal frameworks (like RUFADAA and GDPR), cultural perspectives, and management strategies. We conducted a thorough literature review of academic articles, industry reports, news pieces, and legal analyses. Our findings reveal a disconnect between the growing number of digital estates and current estate-planning practices, highlighting the urgent need for clear policies, ethical guidelines, and increased public awareness. We propose a framework for managing digital assets, emphasizing the roles of individuals (like digital wills and executors), platforms, and regulators in protecting posthumous digital legacies.