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Court rules in favor of online ‘journalists’

January 30, 2007

A Calofornia court ruled that Apple would have to pay $700,000 (defense costs X 2.2) to bloggers who fought a subpoena issued by Apple.  Turns out, according tot he court, bloggers are afforded the same rights as a traditionally given to journalists; including the right to offer their sources confidentiality.  The bloggers don’t have to turn over the identity of their sources.  The EFF helped defend the bloggers saying,

"We are very pleased, as this will go a long way towards keeping EFF on the forefront of impact litigation defending the rights of online journalists and others," EFF Staff Attorney Kurt Opsahl wrote in an email. "Bloggers break the news, just like journalists do. They must be able to promise confidentiality in order to maintain the free flow of information. Without legal protection, informants will refuse to talk to reporters, diminishing the power of the open press that is the cornerstone of a free society."

The matter seems closed as Apple decided not to appeal the decision and paid the bloggers in full. 

Written by Alexander Muse · Filed Under Blog 

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