Marine's death sparks e-mail privacy debate

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privacy

My heart goes out to the grieving family. We lost my only sister [suicide non-military, but still yet, she is gone] two years ago.

There are many questions that remain unanswered for us and yet, I know that she would not have wanted us to access her email account after her death.

However, she might, perhaps, want us to see the letters that she had written to us, or to have copies of those letters to specific family members; but I know she would not have wanted to share any other personal information with anyone.

When I had to pack her things from her apartment, I did not read her personal letters. A part of me wanted too, but they were not addressed to me, and even in death, I believe that she deserves her privacy upheld.

Given the new privacy laws in place, it would seem that just as we authorize in writing for particular individuals to have access to our medical records, perhaps a person could have that "option," when setting up an email account?

It could be a simple option: "yes, I will allow so and so to have access to my email in the event of my death; or no, I would not like my email information released in the event of my death."

Perhaps that sounds simple-minded by some things are simple.

However, there are also issues such as business related information that families may need that are contained within an email file [such as in our case] etc. N

No matter the reason, if the law states, and it's upheld in court that the family is the heir to such electronic files, or letters, then certainly they should be entitled to this information.

In other words:

It would seem that if family is indeed, legally entitled, and have the right to obtain the files; then they should be given access.

Yahoo in my opinion, is taking the appropriate steps in allowing the family to access the court systems to prove validity of their request and the family members identity. I respect the company for respecting their customers privacy, even if the customer is deceased.

Perhaps we need to refine the system, and give the users an option to "will their email files." That would settle that.

Sandi

Posted by: smplyhppy   Posted on: 12/21/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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