In an age when digital possessions are increasingly becoming an important part of our lives, questions arise as to who will own our online data? How can we make sure our loved ones can legally bequeath our online information?

Why is it important to pass on your digital footprints in a will?

Many of us are only concerned about passing on our financial assets, properties, cars and other valuables but we have overlooked the importance of passing on things like our emails, online accounts, photos, blogs, and contacts. Living in the age of the birth of machines, these ‘e-affairs’ are equally important.

It is very well for online providers to uphold users’ privacy. Without logins and passwords, our family may never be able to get access to our online assets. Social websites such as Facebook and MySpace offer the option for family to freeze the deceased’s profiles by way of ‘memorialisation’ but Flickr refuses all access. While some email providers, including Gmail and Hotmail, will give up the deceased’s password upon the proof of death and proof of relationship, Yahoo! refuses all access. A deceased’s e-affairs can forever be left undone if relatives have no access to these digital possessions.

OLN is proud to announce that we are a member firm of Project Share.

Project Share has been developed by Child Welfare Scheme, to provide opportunities for Hong Kong students (aged 16-19) from underprivileged communities to work as summer interns in professional and international firms so that they can gain understanding and experience in working in such work environment.

OLN currently has two children working as summer interns. For one month they will learn what it is like to work in a law firm. Gaining valuable insight that will allow they to choose the correct career path.

In April, OLN was pleased to host Globalaw’s Asia Pacific Members’ Meeting at The Pavilions, Phuket. Over 20 law firms from around the world convened for the three day conference that focused on the luxury industry in Asia as well as marketing and brand management for law firms. Of particular note, internationally acclaimed key-note speaker Martin Roll shared perspectives on the challenges facing Asian brands as they seek to enter the global arena.

Closing dinner at the Plantation Restaurant, The Pavilions