More than a decade later, the family has taken control of his digital legacy, turning his social media presence into what they describe as a trusted destination for genuine photographs, footage and memories of the Mrs. Doubtfire, Aladdin and Hook star.
Explaining the unusual decision, Zelda said: “Believe me, I know it’s a little strange.”
She added: “Making that space into one where people can find authentic clips and photos of him is one of the best ways we’ve now found to fight back against rampant AI abuse of his voice and likeness on here.”
A source familiar with the family’s concerns exclusively told Radar the rapid improvement of generative technology had made protecting Williams’ legacy increasingly urgent.
The insider added: “Robin’s family is seeing material spread online that can make Robin appear to say or do things he never did. Their concern is that, as these tools become more convincing, younger audiences may struggle to distinguish authentic Robin from an artificial imitation.”
“This isn’t about preventing people from celebrating Robin. Zak, Zelda and Cody understand how deeply people still love him,” the insider noted. “They want fans to have somewhere they can visit knowing that what they’re watching genuinely represents their father and his work.
“As Zelda has said, his loved ones see what is happening as rampant online abuse of their father’s legacy and memory, and they know it would have him rolling in his grave.”
Zelda also acknowledged that seeing activity on her father’s account again could nevertheless prove “triggering” for some followers.
The siblings announced the initiative a month after what would have been Williams’ 75th birthday, saying jointly: “As we recognize what would be our Dad’s 75th year, we’re grateful to see new generations discovering his work while longtime fans continue to celebrate the joy he brought into their lives.”
They added: “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.”
Zelda has previously been outspoken about unauthorized AI recreations of her father, repeatedly asking social media users not to send them to her.
She said: “Please, just stop sending me AI videos of Dad. Stop believing I wanna see it or that I’ll understand; I don’t and I won’t.”
“But please, if you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone, even. Full stop. It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want,” Zelda added.
Zelda has described artificial recreations of Williams as both “gross” and “maddening,” arguing they reduce the work and identities of real people to crude digital approximations.
She said: “You’re not making art, you’re making disgusting, over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings, out of history of art and music, and then shoving them down someone else’s throat hoping they’ll give you a little thumbs up and like it.”
Williams won an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting and became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable performers through movies including Dead Poets Society, Jumanji, and Good Morning, Vietnam.