School photo days are being canceled in districts across the country following the circulation of unsubstantiated rumors linking the school photography company Lifetouch to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The Salinas, California, school district this week issued a letter to families stating the claims were untrue, after parents expressed concern.
The rumors center on Leon Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management, Lifetouch’s parent company, who is named in the Epstein files. Online claims allege Black may have accessed children’s photos taken by Lifetouch. Lifetouch has vehemently denied any connection to Epstein or any misuse of student images. “Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files. The documents contain no allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in, or that student photos were used in, any illicit activities,” the company stated on its website and in social media posts on February 10, 2026.
Despite Lifetouch’s denial, the allegations have gained traction on social media, with one Instagram Reel garnering 39,000 views and a post on X (formerly Twitter) receiving over 100,000 views as of February 13, 2026. The posts urge parents to opt their children out of school photoshoots.
The concerns extend beyond the alleged Epstein connection to broader questions about data privacy. Steven Clark, a South Bay-based attorney, emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing consent forms for school photoshoots. “You desire to know who owns those photos and that’s typically done by contract. And what can be done with the photos later between you and the photographer,” Clark said.
Tech expert Ahmed Banafa highlighted the potential for data breaches, noting that approximately 5 million pictures were reportedly sold on the dark web in 2023. However, Banafa also stated that Lifetouch has taken steps to prevent its data from being shared with third parties. He added that California’s privacy laws offer some protection to consumers.
Lifetouch offers a form on its website allowing parents to request the deletion of their child’s data, according to the company. The situation is unfolding as school districts grapple with balancing parental concerns and the demand to address legitimate data privacy issues.
