Robin Williams’ three children have reactivated their late father’s Instagram account as they seek to preserve his legacy and push back against the growing use of AI-generated content featuring his likeness, writes Deadline.
The account had remained inactive since 2014, the year the beloved actor and comedian died.
It has now returned as Williams’ family marks what would have been his 75th year.
In a statement shared on the account, his children Zak, Zelda and Cody Williams said they were grateful that new generations continue to discover their father’s work while longtime fans remember the joy he brought to audiences.
“As technology evolves, we want this to be a safe, trusted place where the stories, photos, videos, and memories shared reflect his legacy with authenticity, warmth, and care,” they said.
The siblings said they hope to use the platform to share Williams’ “unique talent and humour”, along with personal moments that made their family and millions of fans laugh.
They added that their father “continues to inspire us and delight people all over the world”.
The decision comes after Zelda Williams previously criticised AI-generated videos that recreated her late father.
Last year, she urged people to stop sending her AI-generated clips featuring the actor, calling the practice upsetting and disrespectful.
Zelda argued that reducing real people’s legacies to digitally generated versions of their appearance and voice strips away their humanity.
She also questioned the artistic value of AI-generated content that uses the likenesses of deceased performers.
Her comments reflected wider concerns among actors, artists and their families about the use of artificial intelligence to recreate performers without meaningful consent.
Williams’ children have now made clear that their father’s official social media presence will instead focus on authentic photographs, videos, memories and stories from his life and career.
The Instagram profile also includes links to the family’s Facebook, TikTok and YouTube platforms, where the same message has been shared.
Williams, known for films including Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Mrs Doubtfire and Jumanji, remains one of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers.
His family’s decision aims to ensure that future generations encounter his work through genuine memories rather than AI-generated imitations.
