Why Germans are rethinking their way of death

A 200-year-old rule in Germany bans coffins and urns being buried anywhere, but in a cemetery. Originally passed to prevent outbreaks of disease, it has been largely surpassed as a public health measure, particularly since cremation became popular. Photo: AFP

Europe's biggest economy is rethinking its way of death, with one start-up claiming to have found a way of prolonging life – digitally at least – beyond the grave.

Youlo – a cheery contraction of "You Only Live Once" – allows people to record personal messages and videos for their loved ones, which are then secured for several years in a "digital tombstone".