cmd-c copy-and-paste in safari on desktop (iMac)

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

whdaffer2 wrote:

iMac 2017, Ventura 13.4.1, Safari 16.5.2, rebooted in the last 24 hours.

In some webpages (mostly news webpages like CNN, I've noticed), I've been having trouble copy-and-paste-ing from Safari to another app. If I highlight the text I want, then hit Cmd-C, I get a beep, which I interpret as some sort of error, since no text is copied.

However, Edit -> Copy works.

I know I have a work-around, but I'd like to find the solution that allows me to use the keyboard, since I'm a keyboard kinda person (been using Emacs for 30 years)

Any ideas?

I would try a different browser and compare your results...this would be telling.

The current stable release of Ventura including bug fixes, security updates is macOS Ventura 13.5

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

this includes the baked in Safari Version 16.6

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

ja, I just recently discovered this "bug" as well. Still investigating, but one thing I noticed is that on msn.com, pressing command-c shifts the focus, i.e. inserts the text input prompt to the Bing search field at the top of the page ... is it a "bug" or a "feature"? ... only in Safari?

nope ...