Waterloo says 'high likelihood' unapproved LiveBarn streams were active since May

Yahoo

4 days ago

The City of Waterloo says there is a "high likelihood" that unscheduled LiveBarn streams at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (WMRC) ran from May 1 to July 23.
City staff were first made aware of the issue on July 23, when it was discovered that a LiveBarn camera meant for streaming minor hockey games was active outside scheduled times, livestreaming footage of children taking part in summer camp activities within view of the camera.
A release from the city on Wednesday says the stream is only available to subscribers but, according to LiveBarn, none of the footage was downloaded or shared.
The city says the WMRC was the only facility affected in Waterloo. It says other groups, outside of children's summer camps, may have been recorded during the extended period, too.
The city says it has contacted all relevant renters of the space and the guardians of campers who may have been impacted.
LiveBarn cameras remain offline in all Waterloo arenas while the city works with the Waterloo Minor Hockey Association and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
LiveBarn confirms unauthorized livestreaming
A LiveBarn spokesperson confirmed livestreaming cameras filmed summer camp programs at:
The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex in Waterloo.
Hespeler Arena and Dickson Arena in Cambridge.
The Lions Arena and Grand River Arena in Kitchener.
The City of Waterloo says according to its contract with LiveBarn, the livestreaming company is responsible for any information recorded through the camera.
"The agreement states that LiveBarn has all responsibility for the cameras and associated equipment, including the operation and use, and signage," the city said in an emailed statement sent to CBC last month.
The Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner has been notified of the livestreaming issue.
"We are in the early stages of gathering information to determine next steps and cannot share additional details at this time. We can follow up with you when there are further developments," said an emailed statement from the privacy commissioner's office to CBC in July.
The commissioner said it's not necessary for those impacted to file a complaint, but they can if they want to.