I can't find the exact case... But I recall reading that a family was able to get the courts to compel Yahoo to hand over their son's account (he'd died in Iraq

I can't find the exact case... But I recall reading that a family was able to get the courts to compel Yahoo to hand over their son's account (he'd died in Iraq) -- So there seems to be some precedent. I'm sure there is a lot of other case law around on this already. Edit: Found the reference: http://news.cnet.com/Yahoo-releases-e-mail-of-deceased-Marine/2100-1038_3-5680025.html http://news.cnet.com/Yahoo-releases-e-mail-of-deceased-Marin... ... According to that article policies vary. e.g. AOL release accounts to next of kin.