Journal After Death

This blog is the only journal or diary I have ever kept so far in my life (that you know of...). It's a way to document and express many aspects of my life and just thoughts I have about concepts that many may be able to relate to. One of the most common ways people express their most inner secrets/thoughts is through writing in a person diary. Most of the time, it is implied that no one will eavesdrop upon their deepest of thoughts. Personal journals are naturally ingrained to have a private and concealed feel to them; basically, most of us trust others not to read it out of respect. Majority of the time, the main purpose of keeping of the journal is to have it save certain memories; other times, it helps to analyze a certain situation by just writing it down.

But what happens to a journal when you die? I'm sure some people include instructions to share it or burn it in their will. But what if it isn't particularly stated or the death was unexpected? Should loved ones, or even the public, have the right to read someone's personal diary? Would it depend on circumstances of the person in question? Like if it was a President of the United States or someone else with historical significance? One of the most famous diaries, Anne Frank's, was published for the entire world to read even though she expressed multiple times that she wouldn't allow anyone to read it. Her diary has become an exceptional piece of writing that has documented life during the Holocaust; but should it not have been released to the public to have respected her piracy?

In the situation of deaths, it's difficult to determine whether other people have authorization to read such personal information. Those people who may have a connection to the person may want answers or even explanations for particular actions, which may be contained in this intimate journal. Personally, I wouldn't mind if others read my pseudo-secret diary after my death. It may answer questions that people have longed for and, most importantly, the journal may be advantageous to others (as wisdom/advice). I do understand that some people are much more private than I am and would like that information to be never read again.

This question of privacy after death continues to grow in the digital world we live in now. What should happen to the mass amounts of accounts and data (including email) that you've owned in your lifetime? Should your family be able to access those accounts? Would you be upset if friends and family snooped around your files after you've passed away? (Google has provided a method of controlling your Google data after your death)