Unintentional Live Streaming of Youth Camps in Waterloo, Cambridge, and Kitchener via Cameras
LiveBarn's Livestreaming Services Under Scrutiny in Waterloo Region
LiveBarn, a Montreal-based company leading in youth and amateur sports broadcasting, has found itself under investigation after unauthorised livestreaming of non-sporting activities at multiple venues in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario.
LiveBarn operates extensive livestreaming services for over 1,900 locations across North America, including the Region of Waterloo. Their cameras are installed in various arenas, including the City of Waterloo facilities, where they livestream local hockey games and other sports for the Waterloo Minor Hockey Association and other organisations.
However, during summer camps in July 2025, LiveBarn cameras inadvertently livestreamed activities not related to sports, triggering concern and investigations by city officials. The City of Waterloo, under their agreement with LiveBarn, holds the company responsible for the cameras' operation, data collection, and signage indicating livestream presence. The cameras are intended to be active only during scheduled minor hockey games or related events.
Following the inadvertent summer camp livestreams, LiveBarn and city authorities have temporarily disabled cameras in Waterloo arenas pending a procedural review. The Township of Wellesley reported they are not aware of any LiveBarn cameras in their community.
In addition to Waterloo, cities such as Cambridge, Kitchener, and various townships have also reported similar incidents. The City of Cambridge confirmed that the cameras were "inadvertently" livestreaming children participating in summer camp programs at several of their facilities. The City of Kitchener reported that LiveBarn cameras at their arenas were "inadvertently streaming and recording off-schedule" since April, affecting recent city summer camps.
City staff are working with LiveBarn to determine how the streaming was initiated and how long it was on for. Upon notification, the city staff moved the campers out of the arena and unplugged the cameras to disable them. The Township of Woolwich and Wilmot have also reported issues with their LiveBarn cameras, with some currently offline or disabled.
LiveBarn offers live and on-demand replays of hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, swimming, and gymnastics events. The company's purpose is to broadcast amateur sporting events to families and fans unable to attend in person, enabling remote viewing of games and practices. However, these recent incidents have raised questions about the company's privacy policies and operational procedures.
As of Thursday morning, LiveBarn cameras throughout the Region of Waterloo were inaccessible or blacked out on the company's website. LiveBarn Inc. has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incidents. The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has been notified of the incidents in all three cities.
This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
- Despite being known for streaming sports events, LiveBarn's cameras inadvertently livestreamed non-sporting activities during summer camps, leading to investigations and temporary camera disabilities in Waterloo's arenas.
- City officials in cities such as Cambridge and Kitchener have also reported similar issues with LiveBarn cameras, indicating potential widespread problems with the company's privacy policies and operational procedures.
- In light of these incidents, questions have arisen about LiveBarn's streaming of video content related to technology, such as gymnastics, basketball, and volleyball, and the company's adherence to privacy standards, prompting investigations by city authorities and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
