A new Chinese website has been created to let Internet users leave digital imprints even after they pass away.
The service is called “Life Black Box” and the idea is simple: You sign up and upload whatever you want — be it secret photos, random thoughts, sensitive files, or final goodbyes. When you die, the website sends your data to people you’ve chosen.
The creator of the Life Black Box, Li Jia, said he thought of the idea in 2010, when he was on an extremely turbulent plane ride.
“I had recently divorced — and I realized I had a lot to say to my ex-wife, my son, and my parents,” he told China’sTechWeb.
During China’s annual Qingming festival to honor deceased ancestors, his website became a trending topic on Chinese social media amid widespread reflection over the missing Malaysia Airlines airliner.
Li said his website now has 360,000 registered users. Many have jobs that are dangerous or require constant traveling, and a great number are in their thirties or forties.
According to TechWeb, over 28,000 online wills have been created in Jiangsu province, where 14 Flight 370 passengers are from.
In another twist, employees at the Life Black Box website said 31 people on the missing jet’s passenger list matched the names of its subscribers.
Black Box is not the only Chinese website that attempts to deal with death. One website called Waheaven, which says it has over three million users, lets users create online memorials by uploading images of their deceased ancestors, after which they can pay traditional tribute by lighting virtual incense or laying virtual flowers.
Source: CNN
