Europeans can give up Facebook contact for death

European Facebook users can now also specify a contact who will have limited control over the account in the event of a death. For example, friend requests can be accepted, but private messages cannot be viewed.

Facebook introduced the functionality to designate a death contact back in February, but the functionality only worked in the United States. Now he also works in Europe, The Next Web discovered. Facebook users can specify a contact from the settings. Users can designate a maximum of one person.

The contact that is specified cannot compose messages on behalf of anyone, nor does it have access to the private messages. However, he or she can change the profile picture, accept friend requests or pin previously posted messages to the timeline. If the Facebook user allows, the contact can also download a backup of the account that includes photos and videos.

A Facebook user must first be officially marked as deceased before the special contact can access the account. Proof of death must be submitted.