§ 44-5B-7 — Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user

West Virginia § 44-5B-7

• Jurisdiction: West Virginia
• Ch. 44: ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES AND TRUSTS
• Art. 5B: WEST VIRGINIA UNIFORM FIDUCIARY ACCESS TO DIGITAL ASSETS ACT

Text

If a deceased user consented or a court directs disclosure of the contents of electronic communications of the user, the custodian shall disclose to the personal representative of the estate of the user the content of an electronic communication sent or received by the user if the representative gives the custodian:

(a) A written request for disclosure in physical or electronic form;

(b) A certified copy of the death certificate of the user;

(c) A certified copy of the letter of appointment of the representative;

(d) Unless the user provided direction using an online tool, a copy of the user’s will, trust, power of attorney or other record evidencing the user’s consent to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; and

(e) If requested by the custodian:

(1) A number, username, address, or other unique subscriber or account identifier assigned by the custodian to identify the user’s account;

(2) Evidence linking the account to the user; or

(3) A finding by the court that:

(A) The user had a specific account with the custodian, identifiable by the information specified in §44-5B-7(e)(1) of this code;

(B) Disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user would not violate 18 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq., 47 U.S.C. § 222, or other applicable law;

(C) Unless the user provided direction using an online tool, the user consented to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; or

(D) Disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user is reasonably necessary for administration of the estate.

Legislative History

2018 Reg. Sess., SB102; 2017 Reg. Sess., SB693; 2016 Reg. Sess., SB637