At present, when a user passes away, Facebook transforms their page into a 'memorialised' version. The account of a dead person can be deleted only if someone with the password logs in and closes it down.
However, few people have another person's login information, so the account tends to remain active even after death.
According to Hachem Sadikki, a PhD candidate at the University of Massachusetts in US, the social network will become the world's biggest virtual graveyard by 2098.
According to the online legacy planning company Digital Beyond, 970,000 Facebook users will die this year. In 2010 it was 385,968 and in 2012 it was 580,000, the 'Metro' reported.
Facebook's refusal to delete dead users automatically and the plateauing membership of the site means that the living will be outnumbered sooner than thought.
The site has tried to get around the problem by asking users to appoint a 'Legacy Contact', a sort of online executor of their will, before they die.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
