There have been an increasing number of Zoom Bombings in courthouses across Ontario and particularly in Toronto, which has been reported by a number of news platforms. Zoom Bombings are where members of the public have hijacked court participants’ screens through Zoom and portrayed either explicit and offensive material or explicit language. As a result and in response to these increasing Zoom Bombings, the Ontario Court of Justice has implemented a new policy for the public as observers, which will severely limit public access.
Although the policy is not applicable for some members, it will be for others.
This policy does not apply to:
- Accused persons
- Witnesses and complainants who have been approved by the court to testify virtually
- Counsel for the accused or any other party
This policy applies to:
- Members of the public who are not required to appear on a matter that is before the Court but who are interested in observing the Court’s proceedings virtually
Removing the public’s virtual access has some lawyers and legal scholars commenting on the problem this causes for the open court principle.
Not only will complainants in a virtual case who would like to observe must get permission, but so too will media. Members of the public or the media who wish to observe a court matter which is proceeding only by Zoom, meaning there is no courtroom in which they can attend in person, may request permission to observe virtually by emailing OCJCommunicationsOfficer@ontario.ca
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