Apple softening on leaks?

Apple is softening its stance when it comes to product leaks, argues Nicholas Ciarelli. The writer, whose Think Secret rumor site was shut down due to an Apple lawsuit, observes that Apple is no longer attacking any and all attempts to reveal company products, as it was infamous for in the past. He notes for instance that although photos of the iPhone 3G and fourth-generation Nano were spread wide and early, many of the sites involved were never even approached by Apple lawyers.

Apple may have changed its position for several reasons, the first of these being the negative publicity generated by lawsuits, and the intense buzz generated by leaks, which may save Apple considerable money in terms of marketing. Ciarelli also contends that many leak sites now have mainstream financial backing, such as Engadget, which is owned by AOL. Whereas earlier legal actions were threatened against people unable to fight back, Apple now risks battles with multinational corporations.

Other reasons may include a lack of success in identifying sources, says Ciarelli, and the tendency of lawsuits to confirm leaks, since there is little incentive to pursue claims that are known to be false.

by MacNN Staff