When someone dies, you can ask Instagram to delete that person's account. Here's how to do it.
Although death is a normal part of life, the grieving process can be incredibly complex in our modern world. With social media, we are confronted with how losing loved ones goes hand in hand with managing what they left behind, including their Instagram profiles.
While some users prefer to keep their profile online so that loved ones can browse when they miss it, others want to give up seeing their loved one again on social networks. If you or someone you love is the latter, here's how you can ask Instagram to permanently delete your account after someone's death.
Who is authorized to request permanent deletion of the Instagram account?
Only verified immediate family members can request Instagram to permanently delete your account. During the application process, you will be required to show proof of your relationship which may include the deceased person's birth certificate or death certificate.
If you are the legal representative of the deceased or his estate, you must provide proof of authority under local law. Additionally, you can attempt to request the permanent deletion of a friend if you have evidence that this is what the deceased would have wanted, such as a will and a will. While this is not standard practice, it may be worthwhile if the deceased has no close relatives.
If you would like your account to be permanently deleted when you die, be sure to let your loved ones know in person and in writing. With that, they can proceed without worrying if that's really what you want and have proof of your intent when you can no longer agree.
How to request the permanent deletion of a deceased person's account
To request permanent deletion of a deceased person's Instagram account, you don't necessarily need to have an account for yourself. All you have to do is fill out a form in the.
Fill in the requested information in the form which includes your full name and email address. Then, give the deceased's name, the deceased's username, a link to one of his Instagram posts, and an approximate date of death. Next, you can attach proof of death, which can be in the form of death certificates, obituaries, news clips, and so on. You can also add supporting documents such as your relationship with the deceased.
At the end of the day, the permanent deletion request will still require an Instagram investigation to avoid fraud. Keep in mind that there is no definite timeline for this. While it may be tempting to request multiple times, you should avoid spamming Instagram and wait for their feedback.
Note: When requesting permanent deletion, make sure you've already saved any photos, videos, or messages you have with the user. Once a user dies, Instagram will not give access to their account to family or friends to protect their privacy.
