DailyTech - Bloggers to Receive Similar Legal Protection as Journalists
The Daily Tech reported:
"A new bill being pushed by U.S. Congressmen
Rick Boucher and Mike Pence along with other
House representatives aims to change a few
rules and give the same protection to bloggers
that journalists receive. As the law exists today,
bloggers are open to attack by large corporate
entities that have vast resources "
This legislation should be supported for
several reasons. First, Journalism is not
a licensed profession. Defining a journalist
therefore is somewhat broad.
Blogging is journalism by virtue of the fact
that people rely on for blogs for news and
information. Futher, blogs make an impact on
current events and society and not merely
convey information. Lastly, money is generated
in the Blogosphere thereby defining it as a
business rather than a hobby. IRS criteria
would agree if it were applicable.
The Internet has been a revolutionary virtual
society where freedom in a very pure sense can
manifest in a unique way. Freedom of information
is the cornerstone of this special experience
and should be enabled.
Legal protections for bloggers are necessary
for the continuation of the groundswell
of information that the Blogosphere provides.
Protection of sources is critical for factual
content to continue to emerge without
self-censorship, editorial
management decisions, and the spawning of an
industry of blog related personal lawsuits.
There are other options instead of litigation
for those offended or distressed about
blogging content.
Sites such as "Reputation Defender" have
emerged to address issues of negative internet
blog information about your company or your
person. They will monitor the internet for all
references to the client and respond in their
behalf.
The most important benefit to society that
will be derived from the legislation proposed
for the protection of sources of blogged
information will be that more truth will be
available to the public.
Some will say that more libel and slander will
be available as well. It's a matter of seeing
the glass half full or half empty.
Intelligent civilians see the glass half full.
