Reference
Y.O.D.O. Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the roles, statuses, and mechanics that make Y.O.D.O. work. Each term is used consistently across the site, in the product, and in our policies.
- Account Holder
- The person who creates the Y.O.D.O. account, sets the check-in rhythm, writes the messages, and names the Delegates and Recipients. The Account Holder is in control of the account at all times.
- Delegate
- A trusted person, usually a family member or close friend, named by the Account Holder. A Delegate is contacted if the Account Holder misses check-ins, and can report a passing. Persona identity verification is required.
- Special Delegate
- A professional or organisation named by the Account Holder, such as a solicitor, notary, accountant, employer, funeral director, banker, or befriending charity. Each receives a single neutral notice once a passing has been verified, so families are not left to make those calls alone.
- Recipient
- A person addressed in one or more of the Account Holder's sealed messages. Recipients only see what was written for them. Messages may be text, voice, or video.
- Scheduled Check-In
- A routine prompt on the rhythm chosen by the Account Holder (for example daily or weekly). A single tap confirms the Account Holder is present. Missed check-ins trigger gentle reminders before any Delegate is contacted.
- Quick Check-In
- An on-demand check-in the Account Holder can send at any time outside the scheduled rhythm, for example before a long flight or during a difficult week.
- Care Pause
- A planned pause set by the Account Holder for periods when check-ins are not appropriate, such as a hospital stay, retreat, or travel without signal. Check-ins resume automatically at the end of the Care Pause.
- Locked
- The state the account moves into after repeated missed check-ins. Once Locked, Delegates are contacted in the order the Account Holder set. The Account Holder can unlock the account at any point by verifying their identity.
- Passing Verification
- The process by which Y.O.D.O. confirms a passing before releasing any message. A Delegate reports the passing and completes Persona identity verification, a death certificate must be uploaded within 30 days, and a 72-hour dispute window must close.
- 72-Hour Dispute Window
- A mandatory 72-hour pause after a Delegate reports a passing, during which other accepted Delegates can raise a concern and the Account Holder can override by verifying their identity. Nothing leaves the platform during this window.
- Sealed Message
- A text, voice, or video message held privately by Y.O.D.O., addressed to a named Recipient, and released only after passing verification is complete. Drafts can be edited or deleted by the Account Holder at any time.
- Persona Identity Verification
- Government-ID identity verification provided by Persona. Required for Delegates reporting a passing, and for Account Holders overriding a passing notice or unlocking an account.