In a move that might create a precedent, the rumor site ThinkSecret.com has ceased its operations as a part of a settlement deal with Apple. Created in 1999 by Nick Ciarelli as a tell-all site about Apple and its products, ThinkSecret.com was sued by Apple in 2005 after the rumor site has revealed the news about MacMini, before the official launch at MacWorld 2005.

“With iPod-savvy Windows users clearly in its sights, Apple is expected to announce a bare bones, G4-based iMac without a display at Macworld Expo on January 11 that will retail for $499, highly reliable sources have confirmed to Think Secret.

“The new Mac, code-named Q88, will be part of the iMac family and is expected to sport a PowerPC G4 processor at a speed around 1.25GHz. The new Mac is said to be incredibly small and will be housed in a flat enclosure with a height similar to the 1.73 inches of Apple's Xserve. Its size benefits will include the ability to stand the Mac on its side or put it below a display or monitor” wrote ThinkSecret.com on December 28, 2004.

Also, ThinkSecret.com leaked the information about an Apple’s music related project code-named “Asteroid”.

Apple’s reaction was swift and online journalists from ThinkSecret.com and other sites were sued and demanded to reveal the sources of their information. Apple’s angle on this issue is that The First Amendment does not apply in this situation, due to the involvement of trade secrets.

In a statement released today, Nick Ciarelli, who was 19 at the time when the lawsuit was filed, said that as part of a confidential settlement, no sources were revealed and Think Secret will no longer be published.

"I'm pleased to have reached this amicable settlement, and will now be able to move forward with my college studies and broader journalistic pursuits," added Nick Ciarelli, Think Secret's publisher.

According to Los Angeles Times, Apple confirmed the settlement. "Results are positive for both sides," Apple spokesman Steve Dowling said. "As part of the confidential agreement, no sources were revealed and the site will no longer be published. We are pleased to reach an amicable settlement."