Google has introduced the Inactivity Account Manager to let users opt to delete their data upon their death.

The Inactivity Account Manager allows users to have their data deleted following lengthy periods of inactivity. Using the manager also lets users send their Google data to designated third-parties.

"Not many of us like thinking about death - especially our own. But making plans for what happens after you're gone is really important for the people you leave behind," wrote Google product manager Andreas Tuerk in a blog post.

"So today, we're launching a new feature that makes it easy to tell Google what you want done with your digital assets when you die or can no longer use your account."

Google's tool handles data from Blogger; Contacts, Drive, Gmail, Google+, Pages, Picasa Web Albums, Google Voice and YouTube. Users can setup their account to delete or pass on data after an inactivity period of at least three months.

Before Google deletes or sends out data it will issue emails and text messages to verify that it should go forward with the process.

The tool is a change of direction for Google. Previously, the firm required a court order to allow friends and family of the departed to access a departed user's data. The approach is also used by Twitter to manage accounts.

One firm that offers a unique approach to a person's digital afterlife is Facebook. The social networking giant allows deceased users accounts to be "memorialized".

Memorialized accounts get wiped of confidential information and are frozen so no one can post through the account. Following the process only those close to the former user are allowed to post memorializing posts on their Wall.

V3.co.uk