“It’s ironic that a company as innovative as Apple Computer could have such a regressive view of the changing world of American media,” Lisa DiCarlo writes for Forbes. The company, led by CEO Steve Jobs, won a round in its quest to force three Apple-enthusiast Web sites to disclose their sources on articles they published regarding unannounced Apple products. In court filings the company argued that the Web sites were not protected by free speech because they are not legitimate members of the press.”
“The ruling, if it stands, will have a chilling and potentially devastating effect not only on blogs, which are growing in stature and prominence, but online media in general,” DiCarlo writes. “This potential threat to first amendment rights and Apple’s crackdown on Web sites that, in general, love the company and its products, do nothing to bolster Apple’s image. In fact the company’s success of late as yielded accusations of bullying and potentially unlawful business tactics, not to mention complaints that songs purchased from its iTunes music service, the dominant digital music store, don’t work with any other music players than its own. To some, that might sound like its neighbor to the north.”
Full article here.
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