Well apparently if go by a judge in California who ruled that since its trade secrets it doesn't. If this had been a newspaper or news network he wouldn't have dreamed of making that kind of decision. But because its small online websites, its suddenly no big deal.
Whats even worse is how far up their heads the newspaper companies and networks are about this issue. They should be stepping up to the plate to help these websites. Not because they are mister nice guys, but because it directly effects them. Maybe not today or even next year, but a case like this sets a precendence that could be used against them in some future case. Its in their best interest to squash this ruling now rather then pay the consqeuences later. I think they are under the mistaken impression that this may help eliminate some competition for news. After all if sources can't trust online websites, the assumption is they will run back to the newspapers. Well, thats sadly shortsighted and simply not true. All that will happen is sources will be much more careful. With the internet its very easy to provide information without ever being able to track down the source location.
The end results is this, just because the source of news is exclusivily online, rather then some wierd world based office and beaurcracy etc that doesn't change the fact that its still protected by the first admendment. Its just shows the continues erosion of the bill of rights since 9/11. Instead of protecting what makes this country safe we seem to be tossing it aside for safety and corporate cronies. Its a damn shame.
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