If a deceased user consented or a court directs disclosure of the content of an electronic communication 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 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, court order, or Affidavit of Collection of Personal Property executed under section 524.3-1201;
(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:
(i) a number, username, address, or other unique subscriber or account identifier assigned by the custodian to identify the user's account;
(ii) evidence linking the account to the user; or
(iii) a finding by the court that:
(A) the user had a specific account with the custodian, identifiable by the information specified in item (i);
(B) disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user would not violate United States Code, title 18, section 2701 et seq., as amended; United States Code, title 47, section 222, as amended; or other applicable law;
(C) unless the user provided direction using an online tool, the user consented to disclosure of the content of electronic communications; or
(D) disclosure of the content of electronic communications of the user is reasonably necessary for administration of the estate.
History:2016 c 135 art 2 s 8