Robin Williams‘ three children have taken a step in the fight against AI slop using their father’s likeness by reactivating his Instagram account.
The social media platform had been dormant since 2014, when the actor died.
“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,” read the statement signed by Zak, Zelda and Cody Williams.
The statement continued, “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.
Zak, Zelda, and Cody’s intentions are to share Williams’ “unique talent and humor with the world, including the moments that made us and so many of you laugh, as we remember our Dad’s extraordinary life and work. He continues to inspire us and delight people all over the world.”
The Instagram profile also has links to social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, where the message from Zak, Zelda, and Cody was also shared.
Last year, Zelda took to social media to ask people not to send AI-generated videos of her late father, saying in a statement, “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 said that seeing AI slop of her father was “gross” and “maddening,” adding, “To watch the legacies of real people be condensed down to ‘this vaguely looks and sounds like them so that’s enough,’ just so other people can churn out horrible TikTok slop puppeteering them is maddening. 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. Gross.”
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Own it and license it- it’s not going away.
The “it’s not going away” response is so flaccid. Technology will certainly evolve. But at some point it’d be nice to have a global conversation on the morality of this supposed “tech.” Test scores are in the toilet. Reading, math – all of it. AI slop isn’t adding anything to the culture but distrust and frankly, mania. I really hope we can be the most mature version of ourselves and decide collectively this crap serves no purpose.
