You're dead? There's an app for that: Facebook lets you send one last video from beyond the grave

• App lets you post one last message or video to wall
• Only works once three 'trustees' confirm you are dead
• Makers suggest you use it to 'share a secret you have never shared before'

By Rob Waugh

Last updated at 4:14 AM on 14th January 2012

A new Facebook app gives users the chance for one last message after they pass away - sending a final video or text message as a wall posting.
The free app, 'If I Die', asks the question, 'What will you leave behind?'
Its makers suggest that you could share a life story - or even a secret you have never shared before, which might come as something as a surprise to the 130 or so friends average people have on Facebook.

The If I Die app lets you send one final text message or YouTube video from beyond the grave - handing the message to three 'trustees' who see that it's sent out to all your Facebook friends

The app waits until your death is confirmed, then does one, last post to your wall

The app doesn't automatically post your 'last words' - instead, you appoint three trustees from your Facebook friends list, who will be messaged when you pass away.
Only when those three have confirmed your death will your final message be passed on, either as a video or a text message.
The app already has 5,000 'likes' on Facebook.

 

More...

• Facebook admits paid adverts are invading people's news feeds - looking identical to normal posts

Facebook itself already offers a 'memorial' service - once it's confirmed someone has died, it becomes a memorial page, which only friends can see.
'We try to protect the deceased's privacy by removing sensitive information such as contact information and status updates,' said Facebook in a blog update.
If I Die takes the opposite approach.

The app doesn't automatically post your 'last words' - instead, you appoint three trustees from your Facebook friends list, who will be messaged when you pass away

Your final words are stored remotely in a computer server that the Israeli app company promises is secure

'Only when all 3 trustees confirm the passing,' says the company, 'The pre-recorded or written message will be published on the deceased Facebook profile (wall posting)'
The app is made by an Israeli startup company that says it specialises in 'time capsule' products.

Sphere: Related Content