# Iowa Code § 638.4: User direction for disclosure of digital assets

> Iowa · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.4

## Section

- **Citation:** Iowa Code § 638.4
- **Heading:** User direction for disclosure of digital assets
- **Jurisdiction:** Iowa
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** IA Code / Title XV / Chapter 638 / Section 638.4

## Text

(1) A user may use an online tool to direct the custodian to disclose to the designated recipient or not to disclose some or all of the user’s digital assets, including the content of electronic communications. If the online tool allows the user to modify or delete a direction at any time, a direction regarding disclosure using an online tool overrides a contrary direction by the user in a will, trust, power of attorney, or other record.

(2) If a user has not used an online tool to give direction under subsection 1, or if the custodian has not provided an online tool, the user may allow or prohibit in a will, trust, power of attorney, or other record, disclosure to a fiduciary of some or all of the user’s digital assets, including the content of electronic communications sent or received by the user.

(3) A user’s direction under subsection 1 or 2 overrides a contrary provision in a terms-of-service agreement that does not require the user to act affirmatively and distinctly from the user’s assent to the terms of service.

2017 Acts, ch 79, §7

## Nearby sections

- [Iowa Code § 638.1 Short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.1.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.2 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.2.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.3 Applicability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.3.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.4 User direction for disclosure of digital assets.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.4.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.5 Terms-of-service agreement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.5.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.6 Procedure for disclosing digital assets.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.6.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.7 Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.7.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.8 Disclosure of other digital assets of deceased user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.8.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.9 Disclosure of content of electronic communications of principal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.9.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.10 Disclosure of other digital assets of principal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.10.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.11 Disclosure of digital assets held in trust when trustee is original user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.11.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.12 Disclosure of contents of electronic communications held in trust when trustee not original user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.12.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.13 Disclosure of other digital assets held in trust when trustee not original user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.13.md)
- [Iowa Code § 638.14 Disclosure of digital assets to conservator or guardian of a protected person.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.14.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXV_C638_S638.4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.