KEDC reinstates Lifetouch as preferred school photography vendor after review
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation says Lifetouch will once again be a preferred vendor for school photography services after completing what officials describe as a comprehensive review process.
According to a release from KEDC, the decision comes after weeks of evaluating concerns tied to the school photography company’s parent ownership history with Jeffrey Epstein and questions surrounding student privacy and data protection.
KEDC said its review included examining publicly available records, corporate governance structures, vendor agreements, and current privacy policies. The organization also sought independent legal guidance and consulted industry experts to evaluate best practices related to student data protection and vendor accountability.
Officials said the goal was to make a decision based on verified facts rather than speculation.
According to the release, investigators determined that historical concerns were connected to past investment relationships that are no longer active or tied to current operations. KEDC said Lifetouch operates under its own leadership and follows established privacy, security, and compliance standards aligned with legal requirements.
The organization added that it found no evidence of current affiliations or business practices that would compromise student safety, data protection, or the trust of school districts.
The release notes that individual school districts still have the option to choose whichever vendor best meets their needs.
KEDC also says it plans to continue monitoring vendor partnerships moving forward to ensure strong standards around safety, transparency, and ethics.
ORIGINAL STORY:
KEDC suspends Lifetouch services pending review amid online rumors about student privacy
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation says it is suspending the use of Lifetouch school photography services while it reviews recent concerns tied to online rumors and student privacy.
According to a release from KEDC, the organization decided to pause any current or future use of Lifetouch “out of an abundance of caution” while a deeper investigation is conducted. KEDC said the move is meant to prioritize student safety and well-being while more information is gathered.
“Our children are the heart of everything we do,” KEDC CEO Nancy Hutchinson said in the release. “Their safety and well being rise above every partnership, every contract, and every operational decision.”
KEDC officials said they are continuing to monitor developments and will communicate with member school districts as more details become available.
The decision comes after online rumors connected Lifetouch to documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a public statement, Lifetouch Group CEO Ken Murphy said there is no evidence linking Lifetouch, its employees, or student images to Epstein or any criminal activity.
Murphy said Lifetouch — which is owned by Shutterfly and connected through investment funds to Apollo Global Management — has never shared student photos with third parties, sold images, or used them to train artificial intelligence or facial recognition technology. He also said neither Apollo nor its employees have access to student images or involvement in Lifetouch’s day-to-day operations.
According to Lifetouch’s statement, student photos are only used for school records and for families who choose to purchase them. The company also said it follows federal privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and has signed a voluntary privacy pledge focused on protecting school communities.
KEDC said its suspension is not a final decision but part of an ongoing review process as concerns continue to circulate. Officials emphasized the organization’s goal is to maintain trusted partnerships that reflect the expectations of families, educators, and communities.
