**** HRM Media Release
Update regarding privacy and filming rules in municipally-owned arenas
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021
The following is an update regarding privacy and recording rules in municipally-owned arenas:
Due to public health restrictions that prohibit spectators in facilities, including arenas, and recent changes permitting games, the municipality has received intense interest to record and livestream in our arenas. The municipality appreciates the interest and desire to be able to livestream games especially, in light of current circumstances.
Following discussions with Hockey Nova Scotia and further examination of the privacy concerns, the municipality will permit livestreaming for facility rentals at the discretion of the renter. Signage will be placed in the facilities to indicate that renters in the facility may be livestreaming or digitally recording their activities.
Recording/livestreaming of participants had not been permitted in municipal facilities including arenas. This practice was in place for many years in order to protect the privacy of participants.
The municipality will continue to work with Hockey Nova Scotia, hockey associations and other recreation partners (i.e. Soccer Nova Scotia, Ringette Nova Scotia, etc.) to balance personal privacy with the use of digital recording to record and broadcast activities that occur in municipal facilities.
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Statement regarding privacy and filming rules in municipally-owned arenas
The following is a municipal statement regarding privacy and recording rules in municipally-owned arenas:
Due to public health restrictions that prohibit spectators in facilities, including arenas, and recent changes permitting games, the municipality has received intense interest to record and livestream in our arenas, especially among hockey groups.
Recording/livestreaming of participants has not been permitted in municipal facilities including arenas. This practice has been in place for many years in order to protect the privacy of participants.
The municipality appreciates the interest and desire to be able to live stream games in light of the current circumstances. The municipality, Hockey Nova Scotia and other partners are currently working on possible approaches to allow live-streaming in a way that still meets privacy requirements. It is important to note that safety of participants and visitors remains our number one priority. Privacy considerations will be paramount during these discussions.
Updates on this matter will be provided once discussions with our partners are completed.
