Child Photo Privacy in an AI Book: What to Check Before Uploading
A recognizable child's photograph is personal data, so “Where will this image go?” matters as much as the quality of the finished book. A responsible service should explain the purpose of processing, obtain parental consent, restrict access to source files and state how long those files are retained.
The European Commission explains that children's data needs particular safeguards and that processing based on consent may require explicit authorization from a parent or guardian. Estonia's Data Protection Inspectorate also stresses caution and consent when identifiable children's photos are made public.
1. Ask why the photo is needed
The purpose should be specific: creating the personalized hero, preview and ordered book. A broad phrase such as “service improvement and other purposes” is not informative without further detail. DreamBooks.ee uses the uploaded images as identity references for the child's personalized story.
2. Upload only as a parent or legal guardian
Do not use another child's image without the authorization of their legal representative. Before generation, DreamBooks.ee requires a separate confirmation that the user is a parent or legal guardian and consents to photo processing for the book.
3. Check whether source files are public
A direct public link to a child's photo creates unnecessary exposure. DreamBooks.ee places source images in a private storage bucket rather than a public gallery. Preview access is protected by a separate temporary token, and preview and checkout pages are excluded from search indexing.
4. Consider embedded metadata
A smartphone file can contain EXIF data such as device model, capture time, camera settings and sometimes location. DreamBooks.ee processes accepted JPEG, PNG and WebP files, rotates them correctly and saves a clean JPEG copy for generation. Re-encoding removes the original embedded metadata.
5. Find the retention period
Photos should not be kept indefinitely “just in case.” DreamBooks.ee assigns source uploads a 30-day retention period, after which they enter the deletion workflow. Users can also contact dreambooks.ee@gmail.com with a data access or deletion request.
6. Do not upload more information than necessary
Facial features, current age and useful viewing angles help likeness. Identity documents, school badges, a home address or images revealing medical information do not. Crop unnecessary background and choose ordinary, clothed portraits. One clear photo is enough to begin; additional images may improve recognition.
7. Separate private generation from public sharing
Creating a private preview and posting it publicly on social media are different decisions. Before sharing, consider whether the child wants their face and name online, who could save the image and whether it may remain accessible years later.
Checklist before uploading
- You have the authority to consent to use of the photo.
- The image contains no address, documents or unnecessary personal details.
- The service explains its purpose and retention period.
- Source photos are stored privately, not at an open URL.
- A clear contact exists for questions and deletion requests.
Read the DreamBooks.ee privacy information for service details. Once you are comfortable with the conditions, choose a story on the homepage and create a free private preview.