Bad News for Bloggers...

This is not good:

Three blogs which published sensitive information about upcoming Apple products could be made to disclose where the leaks came from.

A California judge said in a preliminary ruling that bloggers should not have the same protection afforded to journalists under US law.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), representing the sites, said it was disappointed with the ruling.

The case's outcome could be far-reaching for bloggers and writers.

The civil liberties group EFF had asked California's Superior court to stop Apple pursuing the blogs' sources in February.

The Electronic Freedom Foundation is a fine organization, and I wish them the best in their fight against Apple.

EFF:

EFF opposes Apple's discovery because the confidentiality of the media's sources and unpublished information are critical means for journalists of all stripes to acquire information and communicate it to the public. Because today's online journalists frequently depend on confidential sources to gather material, their ability to promise confidentiality is essential to maintaining the strength of independent media. Furthermore, the protections required by the First Amendment are necessary regardless of whether the journalist uses a third party for communications.

More information on Apple v. Does from the EFF.

Please consider donating to the EFF and help out with the fight.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was formerly employed by Apple Computer.

Michelle Malkin does the issue justice.