SPOA issues student privacy policy statement

School Photographers of America (SPOA) is issuing the following statement regarding the vital role of student privacy in school photography and the industry’s proactive commitment to protecting student information.

School Photographers of America (SPOA) is the National Trade Association dedicated to school photography and yearbooks, and our mission is to educate, advocate, promote and protect the great traditions of school photography and yearbooks. We are an industry united by a proactive commitment to student safety, and we are school district partners, with a shared mission to protect the students we serve. Our industry is always actively working to create comprehensive standards, and our members are already united by a shared, proactive commitment to student safety.

We are aware of recent online discussions and commentary related to school photography and student data privacy.

We understand why these questions can be a significant concern for district school leaders and families. Student privacy is a top priority for our industry, and it is a commitment schools and photography providers take very seriously in our partnerships.

School photography companies receive limited, directory-level information from districts, information used solely to provide photography services. This data is rigorously governed by federal and state privacy laws, district contracts, and defined, strict data security practices. Sensitive student information such as Social Security numbers, medical records, academic performance, or discipline history is never part of the school photography process.

To provide clear, factual information, SPOA has prepared an overview that explains:

• What student information photography companies typically receive.
• What sensitive information they do not receive.
• How student data is protected throughout the process.
• The federal and state laws and safeguards that apply.

Please visit our website for more detailed information.

Choosing a SPOA photography partner means working with a company that is actively helping to shape best practices.

Our members are dedicated to:

Aligning with Privacy Laws: Navigating the complexities of federal and state privacy regulations to ensure compliance.

Developing Industry Standards: Actively participating in the creation of the very security benchmarks that will define our industry moving forward.

A Culture of Accountability: Pledging to treat student directory-level information with the highest level of care and transparency.

Our focus is to ensure the public has access to clear, accurate facts regarding student privacy in school photography. We encourage schools to look for SPOA membership as a simple way to ensure their photography partner shares this fundamental dedication to privacy and security. By working together, we can ensure that every school photo taken is backed by this commitment.

About School Photographers of America

School Photographers of America (SPOA) is the United States National Trade Association dedicated to school photography and yearbooks. Its mission is to educate, advocate, promote, and protect the great traditions of school photography and yearbooks while supporting schools, families, and student privacy nationwide.