AI Used to Steal School Pictures: Photographer's Warning
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Original Article Excerpt
'People use AI to avoid paying for school photos, but they don't realise the consequences'
By Miriam Barker, BBC Wales | Published 8 October 2026 | Updated 2 hours ago
Photographer Ian Gilbert shares his concerns about parents using artificial intelligence (AI) to remove watermarks from school pictures without paying. He highlights the potential risks and implications of this practice.
AI Safety Expert's View
Dr Simon Thorne, a senior computer science lecturer, advises against uploading identifiable images to AI due to the risk of data leaks.
Photographer's Call to Action
Gilbert urges parents to reconsider using AI for this purpose, emphasizing that it amounts to "theft" and "shoplifting." He points out the financial impact on photographers and schools.
Impact on Photographers
- Gilbert notes a 25% increase in images being used for AI without payment.
- This practice has contributed to a drop in profits for his photography business within the past year.
AI's Role in Picture Modification
Parents are using AI tools to bypass watermark removal fees by claiming ownership of the images, which allows them to remove the watermarks for a small fee or even free of charge.
Future Solutions
Gilbert's company is developing "high-tech methods" to combat AI picture copying, including incorporating moving images over photos to prevent unauthorized use.