SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Lifetouch, one of the country’s leading school photography companies, is facing investigations in the district and has canceled school photography days.
This is all because of an unfounded rumor spreading across the internet.
It alleges that the former CEO of the Lifetouch ownership group – who is named in Epstein’s files – may have accessed images of the children.
These rumors caused concern among parents across the country.
From Texas to here in California.
Just this week, a school district in Salinas, California, sent a letter to families addressing the rumor and saying it is not true.
Lifetouch also responded, issuing a statement that reads in part:
“Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files. The documents do not contain any allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in any illegal activities or that images of students were used in them.”
Although the alleged Epstein connections have been retracted, other concerns have also emerged.
Specifically, conversations about data privacy and how your information and photos are used.
“You want to know who owns those photos and that’s usually done by contract. What can be done with the photos later is between you and the photographer,” Stephen Clark said.
Clark is an attorney based in the South Bay. He says it’s important to read the fine print on consent forms for things like school photographs.
Technology expert Ahmed Banafa agrees with him, especially in light of the possibility of data breaches.
“About 5 million photos will be sold on the dark web in 2023,” Banafa said.
Banafa says Lifetouch has taken important steps to ensure its data is not shared with third parties.
He also says in California, consumers are legally protected.
“This California privacy law is new,” Banafa said. “So it takes into account all the developments in technology.”
Lifetouch says you can Fill out the form To request that your child’s data be deleted if you choose.
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