Digital Estate Planning Institute

DEPI Standards Framework

The DEPI Standards Framework defines globally applicable principles, requirements, and best practices for digital estate continuity, digital asset governance, and post-life data stewardship.

DEPI standards are designed to be:

  • Vendor-independent
  • Jurisdiction-aware
  • Technology-neutral
  • Future-ready

They provide a shared foundation for professionals, platforms, policymakers, and institutions navigating the rapidly evolving digital estate landscape.

View DEPI Standard V1.0

Scope of the Standard

DEPI Standard v1.0 applies to:

  • Individuals and families
  • Estate planners and fiduciaries
  • Digital asset custodians
  • Software platforms and infrastructure providers
  • Trust companies and financial institutions
  • Researchers and policymakers

It does not replace local law, but provides a harmonized framework that can be adapted to jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Foundational Principles

DEPI standards are built on the following principles:

1. Continuity by Design

Digital estates must be designed with continuity in mind from inception—not retrofitted after loss or incapacity.

2. Human Agency & Intent

The wishes, consent, and intent of individuals must remain central, even after death or incapacity.

3. Security Without Fragility

Strong encryption must coexist with lawful, ethical recovery and access mechanisms.

4. Vendor Neutrality

No single platform, provider, or technology should control digital legacy outcomes.

5. Jurisdictional Awareness

Standards must respect legal diversity while enabling cross-border interoperability.

6. Ethical Stewardship Digital remains, memories, and identities must be handled with dignity and care.

Domains & Framework

Core Domains of DEPI Standard v1.0

DEPI Standard v1.0 is organized into six core domains:

1. Digital Asset Identification & Classification

  • Asset taxonomy
  • Ownership vs access rights
  • Custodial vs non-custodial assets

2. Access Control & Authorization

  • Role-based access
  • Emergency and post-life access
  • Multi-party authorization models

3. Security & Cryptographic Governance

  • Encryption standards
  • Key management
  • Recovery and escrow models

4. Continuity & Transfer Mechanisms

  • Trigger events (death, incapacity)
  • Transfer workflows
  • Documentation and auditability

5. Governance, Compliance & Auditability

  • Logging and traceability
  • Regulatory alignment
  • Oversight mechanisms

6. Ethics, Dignity & Digital Remains

  • Post-life data handling
  • AI-generated content
  • Digital memory preservation

Each domain includes requirements, recommended practices, and implementation guidance.

Standards Governance & Updates

Standards Lifecycle

DEPI standards follow a formal lifecycle to ensure rigor and relevance:

  1. Drafting & Research
  2. Committee Review
  3. Public Consultation
  4. Revision & Approval
  5. Publication
  6. Ongoing Monitoring
  7. Versioned Updates

Versioning Policy

  • Major releases: Structural or scope changes
  • Minor updates: Clarifications or extensions
  • Advisory notes: Interpretive guidance

All versions are archived and publicly documented.

Participation & Contribution

Participate in Standards Development

DEPI welcomes structured participation from qualified stakeholders, including:

  • Fiduciaries and estate professionals
  • Legal scholars and practitioners
  • Technologists and security experts
  • Platform operators
  • Policy researchers

Ways to Participate

  • Public consultation submissions
  • Working groups
  • Advisory panels
  • Research contributions

Participation does not imply endorsement and is governed by DEPI’s conflict-of-interest policies.