Search of blogger's computers suspended

The examination of the computers and devices seized Friday by local law enforcers from a technology blogger who got his hands on an unreleased iPhone prototype has been put on hold while authorities discuss whether the operation conflicted with California's shield law.

San Mateo County chief deputy district attorney Steve Wagstaffe said Tuesday that attorneys with tech blog Gizmodo asked San Mateo prosecutors to consider how the raid on Gizmodo editor Jason Chen's Fremont home and the seizure of several items - including laptops, digital cameras, flash drives, a credit card and credit card bills - might conflict with the state's shield law, which protects journalists from sharing unpublished, work-related material. "The computers are not being examined to make sure we don't invade anybody's privacy," Wagstaffe said. He added that his office is studying the situation and is expected to send a legal memo this week to the Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team, the state high-tech crimes task force that served the search warrant, with its recommendations on the matter. Chen's property is currently in REACT's hands, and the team will have the final call on whether they inspect Chen's computers or return them, Wagstaffe said.