Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Norwich order application to identify an anonymous Reddit user

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board brought a Norwich order application seeking to compel Reddit to disclose identifying information for an anonymous user the board alleges defamed staff at Pinecrest Public School. According to Reddit's filings, the user posted 51 comments across 17 conversations beginning December 17, 2022, accusing named staff of failing to report incidents, stifling investigations, and ignoring racism. Reddit opposed the application, arguing disclosure would chill anonymous speech central to its platform. None of the allegations have been proven in court, and as of reporting the matter remained before the court. A Norwich order requires the board to show the comments were defamatory rather than merely critical, while the court balances anonymous-speech interests against the board's interest in pursuing alleged defamation.