Gizmodo Police Raid May Determine If Bloggers Are Journalists

After receiving a “lost” iPhone 4G prototype and publishing details about it to the world, it looks as if the Silicon Valley police (of California) have raided the home of Jason Chen of Gizmodo fame, confiscating computers, servers and a few phones.

Last Friday night, California’s Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team entered editor Jason Chen’s home without him present, seizing four computers and two servers. They did so using a warrant by Judge of Superior Court of San Mateo. According to Gaby Darbyshire, COO of Gawker Media LLC, the search warrant to remove these computers was invalid under section 1524(g) of the California Penal Code (via Gizmodo)

Before the blogosphere (and twittersphere) freak out about whether the police have violated any rights (after all, bloggers are considered journalists–right?), the police probably seized the computers in order to find out who sold Gizmodo the iPhone 4G as apart of their investigation (so let us all calm down on how evil the boys in blue are–at least in the US).

iPhone 4G leakage aside, the raid does bring up a good question of whether bloggers are considered journalists in the US, and if so, whether they are protected by California law.

Update (4/27): It looks as if the California “shield law” may not apply in Gizmodo’s case, as police have identified the person who took the iPhone 4G prototype (via Mashable).

Investigators said they have identified and interviewed the person who took the phone from the Gourmet Haus Staudt on March 18 after it was left there by Apple engineer Gray Powell following a birthday celebration. (San Jose Business Journal)

See Also
"Tech Fashion Merge"

While the police have yet to identify the person who “found” the iPhone 4G, it looks as if this may have been a criminal case where theft may have been involved.

The police have not yet charged anyone for stealing the iPhone prototype, although Gizmodo’s purchase of the iPhone has raised questions on whether it’s ethical to purchase leaks from sources, even if those leaks were stolen.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Darnell Clayton

Darnell Clayton

Darnell Clayton is a geek who discovered blogging long before he heard of the word "blog" (he called them "web journals" then). When he is not tweeting, friendfeeding, or blogging about space, he enjoys running, reading and describing himself in third person.

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

9 phrases socially awkward people use that make them sound desperate

9 phrases socially awkward people use that make them sound desperate

NewsReports

4 zodiac signs who never take the first step even when they are attracted to someone

4 zodiac signs who never take the first step even when they are attracted to someone

My Inner Creative

8 things narcissists hate because they can’t control you when you do them

8 things narcissists hate because they can’t control you when you do them

Global English Editing

9 minimalist habits that have helped me break free from the trap of materialism

9 minimalist habits that have helped me break free from the trap of materialism

Hack Spirit

6 zodiac signs who fall in love fast—but move on even faster

6 zodiac signs who fall in love fast—but move on even faster

Parent From Heart

If your goal is to be a classier and more refined person, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

If your goal is to be a classier and more refined person, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Global English Editing