Divorcing and checking out of the mortal and physical world domain – online assets in limbo: a call for the regulation of the digital legacy

Abstract

English: For the majority of people, an online existence has currently become an incontrovertible reality. This article explores the various ways of handling digital or online assets both before and after death. The article starts by describing possible definitions of digital or online assets, followed by a close and critical examination of the efficacy of measures initially put in place by service providers to regulate their relationship with online users. Various legislative provisions recently promulgated in a number of states in America are compared, critically evaluated and discussed, whereafter the existing provisions of the Matrimonial Property Act No. 88 of 1984, the Divorce Act No. 70 of 1979 and the Administration of Estates Act No. 66 of 1965 are closely examined with a view to testing and evaluating their effectiveness in dealing with digital assets both before and after death. The discussion culminates with a call for the amendment of the relevant South African provisions, while giving possible suggestions to the same effect.

Afrikaans: Vir die meeste mense is ’n aanlyn bestaan deesdae ’n onontkenbare realiteit. Hierdie artikel ondersoek verskeie maniere waarop digitale en aanlynbates voor en ná afsterwe hanteer kan word. Die artikel begin met moontlike definisies van digitale of aanlynbates, en word gevolg deur ’n deurtastende en kritiese ondersoek na die doeltreffendheid van die aanvanklike maatreëls waarmee diensverskaffers hul verhouding met aanlyngebruikers reguleer. Verskeie wetsbepalings wat kort gelede in ’n aantal Amerikaanse deelstate gepromulgeer is, word vergelyk, krities geëvalueer en bespreek. Die bepalings van die Wet op Huweliksgoedere 88 van 1984, die Wet op Egskeiding 70 van 1979 en die Boedelwet 66 van 1965 word vervolgens van naderby beskou om die effektiwiteit daarvan in verband met digitale bates voor en ná afsterwe te evalueer. Die bespreking eindig met ’n aandrang op die wysiging van die betrokke Suid-Afrikaanse wetsbepalings en voorstelle te dien effekte.