谷歌將推出一項新功能，允許用戶提前決定好自己身故或者停止使用網絡后數據信息的處理方式，該功能適用于谷歌電子郵件、社交網站谷歌+以及其他相關賬戶。谷歌由此成為第一家主動針對網絡數據遺產采取行動的互聯網大公司。據悉，用戶可以選擇在賬戶連續不活動3個月、6個月、9個月或12個月后允許系統刪除其賬戶的所有數據，或者將數據傳輸給指定接收人。為了避免誤刪，系統會在刪除或傳輸數據之前給用戶的備用郵箱發送提示郵件。

Google will allow users to decide what happens to their data after they die or become inactive online, the first major company to deal with the sensitive issue.

Google will allow users to decide what happens to their data after they die or become inactive online, the first major company to deal with the sensitive issue.

The feature applies to email, social network Google Plus and other accounts.

Users can choose to delete data after a set period of time, or pass it on to specific people.

Internet users around the world have expressed concern about what happens to their data after their demise.

"We hope that this new feature will enable you to plan your digital afterlife - in a way that protects your privacy and security - and make life easier for your loved ones after you're gone," Google said in a blogpost.

California-based Google also owns YouTube, photo-sharing service Picasa and Blogger.

Google said users can opt to have their data deleted after three, six, nine or 12 months of inactivity. Alternatively, certain contacts can be sent data from some or all of their services.

However, the company said it would text a provided number or email a secondary email address to warn users before any action is taken.

People are increasingly placing content on social networks and data storage facilities hosted in cyberspace, or the "cloud".

Other companies have also attempted to tackle the questions that raises after a person's death. Facebook, as an example, allows users to "memorialise" an account.

(Source: BBC News)

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