School picture day, usually a time for awkward smiles and questionable haircuts, has suddenly become the center of a dark internet controversy. A wave of concern is sweeping through parent groups and school districts, leading some to reconsider or cancel their contracts with photography giant Lifetouch due to alleged connections to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The controversy stems from a game of corporate “six degrees of separation.” Concerns emerged after it became widely circulated that Lifetouch is owned by Apollo Management Group. Apollo is a private equity firm that was once run by Leon Black, a billionaire financier who had a “widely documented and scrutinized relationship with Epstein.”
Because of this financial link between the parent company’s former leadership and Epstein, rumors began flying that student photos were somehow at risk.
Ken Murphy, CEO of Lifetouch Group, released a statement to address the “sea of misinformation.” The company is adamant that the rumors are baseless and that student safety “goes beyond the camera lens.”
According to Murphy, Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files, and the documents contain no allegations that the company or student photos were used in any illicit activities.
Regarding the ownership concerns, Murphy clarified that while funds managed by Apollo subsidiaries are investors in Shutterfly (Lifetouch’s parent company), neither Apollo nor its funds handle day-to-day operations. Consequently, “no one employed by Apollo has ever had access to any student images”.
To calm parents’ nerves regarding privacy and AI, the company outlined its strict protocols, stating that Lifetouch images are safeguarded for families and schools “with no exceptions.” The company emphasized that they have never provided images to third parties and strictly follow federal privacy laws like FERPA.
Crucially, Lifetouch confirmed they do not share, sell, or license student images to train AI models or facial recognition technology.
While the viral theories are alarming, the company insists they are just that, rumors. and that their 90-year history is built on trusting relationships with schools and families.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
