Excerpted from 'Netiquette Regarding Digital Legacies and Dealing with Death, Tragedy, and Grief,' a paper on best practices compiled by Siena College professor Carla Sofka
| 5 'netiquette' tips to keep in mind |
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| Never livestream or webcast a funeral or memorial service without explicit permission from the primary mourners as well as anyone who has a primary role in the service. Carefully consider how access to the livestream is gained (privacy settings on social media or if viewing is by invitation). |
| If there is an open casket, including an image of the deceased is most likely not appropriate. To include an image of the deceased, consider using a favorite photograph of the person taken during life. |
| Guests should be made aware that the service will be livestreamed. The camera should not be focused on the people in attendance. Respect the privacy of the mourners who may not want their reactions during a potentially emotional time to be observed by others or captured on a recording. Check with the primary mourners and ask if they want footage included from any processional or recessional that would include them entering or leaving the service and respect their wishes. |
| Be mindful that there may be copyright issues if recorded music is being used in the service; check with the funeral director about whether or not it should be included. |
| If a recording of the funeral or memorial service is made, do not share it through any mechanism (public or private) without explicit permission from the primary mourners. They have the right to control how and with whom it is shared. |
