Judge James P. Kleinberg of the Santa Clara County Superior Court in San Jose, Calif. ordered three independent online reporters to give up the names of confidential sources in a lawsuit brought by Apple Computer Inc. The reporters -- who run sites followed closely by Apple enthusiasts -- allegedly published product descriptions that Apple said employees had leaked in violation of nondisclosure agreements and possibly the U.S. Trade Secrets Act. The ruling did not, as some expected, address the issue of whether amateur online publishers, including bloggers, have the same rights as traditional journalists to protect their confidential sources reports Seattle Times. Friday's order could have much broader implications for journalists trying to protect their sources, experts said. If upheld on appeal, the order could potentially allow prosecutors and companies to try to identify whistle-blowers by obtaining phone records and e-mail from a news organization's outside communications provider.