Old Posts and Photos to Bereaved Families... Cyworld's 'Digital Inheritance Service' Receives Over 2,300 Requests

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] It has been revealed that over 2,000 applications have been submitted for the ‘Digital Inheritance Rights Protection Service,’ which transfers the posts and photos of deceased Cyworld users to their bereaved families.

According to Cyworld Jet, the operator of Cyworld, the number of applications for the recently launched Digital Inheritance Rights Protection Service reached 2,381 as of the 30th of last month.

Previously, Cyworld Jet announced that when a Cyworld member passes away, only the posts such as photos and writings that were set to public during their lifetime would be provided to the bereaved families.

Cyworld Jet decided to transfer the copyrights of the deceased member’s posts to their bereaved families through the ‘Post Provision Service to Member’s Heirs’ specified in the terms of service. To do this, the company requires submission of the deceased member’s (decedent’s) family register, the applicant’s (heir’s) family relation certificate, and any other documents the company may additionally request for verification.

Industry experts expect that discussions surrounding ‘digital inheritance rights’ will become more active in Korea, triggered by the Cyworld service. Cyworld Jet also views legislative institutionalization as necessary and plans to request related legislation from the National Assembly.