Do Bloggers Receive the Same 'Source' Protection as Mainstream Journalists?

Apple Computer Inc. sued 25 unnamed individuals, possibly Apple employees, who allegedly leaked specifications about a digital music product code named 'Asteroid' via various blogs: PowerPage, Apple Insider, and Think Secret. Read more to find out about the outcome.

Find out more about Copyrights

Trustpilot star rating bar
do bloggers receive the same source protection as mainstream journalists

Contents

Updated on: March 31, 2023
Read time: 3 min

When Dan Rather announced his retirement this past fall, many viewers were not surprised. Just a few months before, problems with his controversial CBS broadcast about President Bush's National Guard service had surfaced. And, it was not a traditional news source at the helm of the Rather exposé, but instead, a group of bloggers. Bloggers as you may know are individuals who use the web to post their personal thoughts and commentary. It begs the question:are such musings actually considered "news" worthy of protection?

Everyone can do it

Blogs, short for "web logs," are websites that can be created by anyone with internet access. Now, however, some of these sites have grown from personal diaries to influential, highly visited websites. And, in the case of Dan Rather, these blogs are propelling stories into mainstream media.

This time, however, it is the bloggers who are under attack. Apple Computer Inc. sued 25 unnamed individuals, possibly Apple employees, who allegedly leaked specifications about a digital music product code named "Asteroid" via various blogs: PowerPage, Apple Insider, and Think Secret.

According to Apple, the individuals being sued violated nondisclosure agreements, as well as California's Uniform Trade Secrets Act, an important tool for protecting business secrets that don't qualify for traditional forms of intellectual property protection such as patent or copyright.

The bloggers, however, argued that they need not divulge the identities of these individuals, as the bloggers were simply reporting the news and should be afforded the same protections as traditional journalists.

Blogs: A valid form of press?

Apple not only questioned the credentials of the online reporters and independent blogs, but also said the reporters merely reproduced technical specifications that only could have been provided by someone who breached an Apple confidentiality agreement.

In an attempt to identify the unnamed individuals who leaked the confidential information, Apple had a subpoena issued to request that email records were turned over from the sources of the three online reporters in question: Jason O'Grady, a freelance journalist who edits the Mac news site PowerPage; Monish Bhatia, who publishes the Mac News Network and provides hosting services to Apple Insider; and Kasper Jade, who publishes Apple Insider under a pseudonym.

When taken to the courts, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge James Kleinberg ruled in Apple's favor. Judge Kleinberg stated that the three independent online reporters may have to divulge confidential sources, ruling that those who publish a company's trade secrets are not entitled the same protections as other reporters.

Judge Kleinberg noted that he did not rule against the reporters because they were bloggers, writing for relatively obscure internet sites, but because they violated trade secret laws.

Advocates of Apple believe that extending the Freedom of Speech privilege to an easily created blog may turn legitimate investigative reporting into an "anyone can do it" system. But others pose the question: Do companies have the right to force the bloggers to identify their sources, or are the bloggers' sources protected by the same First Amendment rights as traditional journalists?

National newspapers stand behind blogs

The three online reporters argued that identifying their sources would create a "chilling effect" that could "erode the media's ability to report in the public's interest."

Multiple media outlets submitted court briefs on behalf of the bloggers asking that any and all online publishers be allowed to keep their sources confidential. These news organizations argued that if Kleinberg's ruling was upheld, it would impair the ability of all journalists to reveal important news; news that companies might otherwise not want to be revealed.

"Recent corporate scandals involving WorldCom, Enron, and the tobacco industry all undoubtedly involved the reporting of information that the companies involved would have preferred to remain unknown to the public," the 38-page brief stated.

Internet industry groups, which represent search engines and other online companies, filed a similar brief, stating that Internet service providers should be able to protect their clients' confidentiality.

Eventually the online reporters won on appeal of Kleinberg's ruling with the support of numerous news organizations, including eight of California's largest newspapers and the Associated Press.

 

Find out more about CopyrightsStart Now
Twitter logoFacebook logoLinkedIn logoReddit logo

This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

56 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Obtaining a Copyright

I had some questions about copyright, and he answered all of them. He was pleasant to talk to very professional. I was very pleased. I've been using legalzoom for many years, and I love you guys. Thank you.

NORINA PURRO
57 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Happy customer

Ms. Green, was very helpful in assisting me step-by-step in guiding through the process in getting my copyright application. She was patient and very polite. She offered to follow-up on my completed, make sure the process was successful.

Ayesha
63 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Superior Customer Service

Superior customer service and expertise from Patti Green. I have a urgent need for an attorney consultation regarding state level copyright law. Ms. Green quickly and seamlessly steered me to the plan which affords this service. The consult was immediately scheduled for the next day. To say the least, this experience was exemplary.

Guy Hampson
68 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Copyright registration

Karen helped me immensely during my copyright registration. Very patient. Carrie was alos very good over there.

rjparadee
112 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

So far whenever I have tried to work…

So far whenever I have tried to work with Legal Zoom it has been a great experience. Both Holly and Denise have helped to make my tour of the legal process for a copyright excellent and I now have my copyright in my hands. I might add that I am amazed I got it under the oligarchy at all after doge got done.

Connie Lednum
106 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Great Copyright Registration Experience

Walked me through the process to register my copyright. Made everything quick and easy!

Cheryl C
125 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Your expertise and knowledge of my…

Your expertise and knowledge of my questions regarding my copyright I applied for was nothing less than stellar!

Lorenzo Vito
152 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Time and clarity

Thank you for your time and clarity explaining items from my behalf in regards to Copyright material. I also appreciate the no queue waiting on line when I called. I do recommend you.

Adriant Sanchez
160 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!

Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!, She walk me thru the whole copyright process. Thank you

Adewale Agboke Jr
168 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Very responsive and was able to answer…

Very responsive and was able to answer my questions about Copyright options quickly and professionally.

Daniel White
323 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Great customer service

Great customer service! The LegalZoom representative showed genuine care. She followed up on my Copyright Order, and remembered me and my name from the previous Copyright phone call. She was very helpful and represented LegalZoom with excellence. Thank you for hiring, and retaining such a talented energetic representative.

Joshua Earl
564 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Legal Zoom Delivers On Their Promises!

Legal Zoom is professional, accommodating, and gracious. We went to them for copyright help, and true to their promise, we accomplished this endeavor in 30 minutes. EASY!! What a fresh breath of air to find a company that delivers exactly what they say they will! We'll be a Legal Zoomers for life!

Alice Osborne
1203 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Better than "Uncle Sam"

I had to get a copyright done and got nowhere with the U.S. Government Copyright Office, it was a joke! Legal Zoom took care of it and had me "fixed up" in 5 minutes. Thank You, Legal Zoom!

Padu
1309 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Legal Zoom performance is exceptional

Legal Zoom his handled four copyright applications for me and they are exceptional.

C Robert Cales
1586 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Copyright application

I am a new author and am filing copyright for my manuscript. My experience with LegalZoom has been very successful and a pleasure. The associate was knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend this service.

DJS
1747 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

LegalZoom's Guidance is the best

I'm applying for a copyright for the first time and I was very nervous. My status page told me there was a problem and I should call LegalZoom. Kirk explained it was just a simple confirmation that was needed and he took the time to explain why its needed and talked me through what happens next. LegalZoom is just the best thing for a first time business owner like myslef.

rjlog
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,886+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews