Clifton Public Schools investigates potential links between the district’s photography provider, Lifetouch, and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
CLIFTON, NJ – Local parents are demanding answers as Clifton Public Schools investigates potential links between the district’s photography provider, Lifetouch, and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. While district officials emphasize that no evidence of misconduct has been found, the community is calling for total transparency regarding student data and photo privacy.
The Controversy: Why Parents Are Worried
The firestorm began when online reports highlighted the complex ownership structure of Lifetouch. The company is owned by Shutterfly, which in turn is owned by funds managed by Apollo Global Management.
The connection? Apollo’s former CEO and chairman, Leon Black, resigned in 2021 following revelations of his extensive financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Concerns for Clifton Families:
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Data Security: How is student information protected within this corporate web?
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Photo Privacy: Could student images ever be accessed by parent companies?
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Corporate Accountability: Does the history of a major investor impact the safety of local school children?
Lifetouch Responds: “Student Safety Goes Beyond the Lens”
In an effort to quell the rising tide of concern, Lifetouch Group CEO Ken Murphy issued a firm statement addressing the rumors.
“At Lifetouch, student safety goes beyond the camera lens,” Murphy stated. He clarified several critical points to reassure the public:
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No Direct Involvement: Lifetouch is not named in any Epstein-related files or documents.
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No Third-Party Access: Student images are never shared with outside entities, and no one employed by Apollo has ever had access to student images.
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No AI or Facial Recognition: The company explicitly denies using student photos for artificial intelligence or facial recognition technology.
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Operational Independence: Murphy noted that while Apollo funds are investors, the firm has no involvement in Lifetouch’s daily operations.
Clifton Public Schools Takes Action
District officials are meeting with the Lifetouch executive team to address these concerns. In a letter to the community, the district stated, “We know many families have been following the recent reporting, and we understand why questions and concerns have been raised”.
The district has submitted specific questions from parents and staff to Lifetouch and is currently awaiting a formal, documented response. Meanwhile, an online petition is calling for a full and transparent investigation into the handling of student photos and data.
What This Means for Your Student
As of now, there are no allegations that any Clifton students were involved or that student photos were used in illicit activities. The investigation serves as a proactive measure to ensure that student privacy remains a top priority.
Stay Tuned: Clifton school officials have promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Tags: #CliftonNJ #SchoolSafety #StudentPrivacy #Lifetouch #JeffreyEpstein #NJNews #EducationWatch #DataSecurity
“The firestorm began when online reports highlighted the complex ownership structure of Lifetouch. The company is owned by Shutterfly, which in turn is owned by funds managed by Apollo Global Management.
The connection? Apollo’s former CEO and chairman, Leon Black, resigned in 2021 following revelations of his extensive financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.”
A bit of a stretch, no???
Shutterfly is a major, high-volume producer of personalized holiday cards (Billions?) with images of MILLIONS of children, every year. I think we are OK.