Adhere to publication ban guidelines, for everyone's safety.

A publication ban is an order made by the court that prevents anyone from publishing, broadcasting, or transmitting (such as sharing on social media) any information that could identify a victim, witness, or other person who is the subject of the order. Many of the rules governing publication bans are set out in the Criminal Code.

Publication bans enable victims and witnesses, and others, to participate in the criminal justice system without suffering the negative consequences of being publicly identified. In some circumstances, publication bans can also be ordered to prevent the disclosure of information that could identify a juror, prosecutor, or judge. Publication bans may also be ordered in cases related to organized crime, terrorism, or national security.

The length of a publication ban will vary on a case to case basis. Some are in effect until they are removed and others are only in effect for a specified time period.

Publication bans aim to:

• encourage victims of sexual offences to report under reported crimes by protecting their identity
• protect the identity of a juror
• protect victims and vulnerable witnesses
• prevent the name of a young person charged with a crime from being published
• reassure victims and witnesses who are afraid to testify
• ensure a fair trial
• protect the privacy of justice system participants