If you have questionable web history, you can now rest easy knowing you can nuke all of your Google data after you die. Today Google released a new feature called “Inactive Account Manager” that lets users control what information to give out to loved ones or to delete all information after you die. Basically, users can specify how long of an inactive period needs to be before their data is distributed or deleted. For example, you can choose to give data from specific services like Google+, Drive, and Gmail to your friends or family.
Alternatively you can just raze all of your information.
To ease fears about deleting your data while you’re still alive, Google will send you a text message warning you that your data is about to be deleted. To override the Inactive Account Manager, all you have to do is respond to the text to prove that you’re still alive. If Google gets no response, the rules you’ve put in place will activate.
Inactive Account Manager gives users absolute control over what happens with their data after death. Previously, Google relied on petitions from the family members of deceased to release their account information. With this new feature, users can basically write a digital last will and testament for their Google data.
You can set up Inactive Account Manager for yourself here.
Source: Google Public Policy Blog
