Robin Williams' children reactivate Instagram to combat AI deepfakes

The children of the late actor Robin Williams—Zak, Zelda, and Cody Williams—have reactivated their father’s official Instagram account, which had been inactive since his death in 2014. The move is a strategic effort to protect his digital legacy and combat the proliferation of AI-generated content, often referred to as ‘AI slop,’ that uses his likeness and voice without permission.

In a joint statement, the siblings expressed their desire to transform the profile into a ‘safe, trusted place’ where authentic photos, videos, and memories can be shared to reflect his legacy with ‘authenticity, warmth, and care.’ This initiative coincides with the period marking what would have been the actor's 75th birthday.

Zelda Williams has been particularly vocal in her opposition to deepfakes, previously describing the use of AI to recreate her father as ‘personally disturbing’ and a lack of respect for deceased artists. The family intends to use the verified platform to help fans distinguish between genuine historical material and manipulated digital imitations.