Heaptalk, Jakarta — A recent Kaspersky study reveals the digital afterlife and its risks related to identity theft. Based on the study, the majority of respondents (61%) expressed concerns about the identity theft of deceased individuals due to information uploaded online.
The sophistication of AI enables the digital presence of deceased individuals to be recreated online. This possibility has garnered mixed reactions, with most respondents (58%) believing and accepting the recreation of a deceased person’s digital identity through photos, videos, or other memorabilia, while 38% disagreed.
Interestingly, 67% of respondents believe that viewing images or stories about deceased individuals can make their loved ones feel uncomfortable. However, 43% of respondents see no time limits for viewing photos, videos, or voice recordings published online related to a specific person.
Since the only action respondents can take to control a user’s digital footprint after death may be to include instructions in the deceased person’s will, the majority (63%) agreed that anyone with an online presence should specify in their will what should be done with their data and social accounts.
According to Anna Larkina, a web content analysis expert at Kaspersky, managing a person’s digital footprint is often overlooked in everyday online activities. However, the survey results highlight an important point: many respondents acknowledge that stolen identities could lead to significant personal issues for users or their loved ones.
“Given these risks, it is wise to adopt proactive measures that enhance privacy and protect digital identities. By doing so, individuals can ensure that their online presence remains secure without compromising respect, regardless of what happens,” Anna concluded.
