# RCW 11.120.070: RCW 11.120.070: Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S070

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 11.120.070
- **Heading:** RCW 11.120.070: Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 11 / Chapter 120 / Section 070

## Text

If a deceased user consented to or a court directs disclosure of the contents of electronic communications of the user, the custodian shall disclose to the personal representative of the estate of the user the content of an electronic communication sent or received by the user if the personal representative gives the custodian: (1) A written request for disclosure in physical or electronic form; (2) A certified copy of the death certificate of the user; (3) A certified copy of the letter of appointment of the representative, or a small estate affidavit or court order; (4) Unless the user provided direction using an online tool, a copy of the user's will, trust, power of attorney, or other record evidencing the user's consent to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; and (5) If requested by the custodian: (a) A number, user name, address, or other unique subscriber or account identifier assigned by the custodian to identify the user's account; (b) Evidence linking the account to the user; or (c) A finding by the court that: (i) The user had a specific account with the custodian, identifiable by the information specified in (a) of this subsection; (ii) Disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user would not violate 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2701 et seq. and 47 U.S.C. Sec. 222, existing on June 9, 2016, or other applicable law; (iii) Unless the user provided direction using an online tool, the user consented to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; or (iv) Disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user is reasonably necessary for administration of the estate.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 11.120.010 RCW 11.120.010: Short title—2016 c 140.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S010.md)
- [RCW 11.120.020 RCW 11.120.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S020.md)
- [RCW 11.120.030 RCW 11.120.030: Applicability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S030.md)
- [RCW 11.120.040 RCW 11.120.040: User direction for disclosure of digital assets.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S040.md)
- [RCW 11.120.050 RCW 11.120.050: Terms-of-service agreement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S050.md)
- [RCW 11.120.060 RCW 11.120.060: Procedure for disclosing digital assets.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S060.md)
- [RCW 11.120.070 RCW 11.120.070: Disclosure of content of electronic communications of deceased user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S070.md)
- [RCW 11.120.080 RCW 11.120.080: Disclosure of other digital assets of deceased user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S080.md)
- [RCW 11.120.090 RCW 11.120.090: Disclosure of content of electronic communications of principal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S090.md)
- [RCW 11.120.100 RCW 11.120.100: Disclosure of other digital assets of principal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S100.md)
- [RCW 11.120.110 RCW 11.120.110: Disclosure of digital assets held in trust when trustee is original user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S110.md)
- [RCW 11.120.120 RCW 11.120.120: Disclosure of content of electronic communications held in trust when trustee not original user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S120.md)
- [RCW 11.120.130 RCW 11.120.130: Disclosure of other digital assets held in trust when trustee not original user.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S130.md)
- [RCW 11.120.140 RCW 11.120.140: Disclosure of digital assets to guardian or conservator of incapacitated person.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S140.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T11_C120_S070. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.