FTC Investigates Apple News Over Alleged Political Bias in Content Curation

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated scrutiny into allegations that Apple is implementing biased content curation practices on its Apple News platform, specifically regarding conservative-leaning publications.

In an official communication to Apple CEO Tim Cook, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson referenced findings from the Media Research Center, a conservative think tank, which alleged systematic exclusion of right-leaning news outlets from the top 20 articles featured in the Apple News feed.

"These reports raise serious questions about whether Apple News is acting in accordance with its terms of service and its representations to consumers. I abhor and condemn any attempt to censor content for ideological reasons," Ferguson stated in his letter.

Ferguson, a known Big Tech critic appointed by President Trump to lead the competition regulator, clarified that while the FTC lacks authority to mandate Apple's editorial or political stance in content curation, practices inconsistent with the company's terms of service or consumer expectations may constitute violations of the FTC Act.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, another Trump appointee critical of major technology companies, expressed support for Ferguson's position, asserting that "Apple has no right to suppress conservative viewpoints in violation of the FTC Act."

The FTC has formally requested that Apple:

• Conduct a comprehensive audit of its terms of service
• Ensure content curation on Apple News aligns with stated policies
• Implement corrective measures expeditiously if inconsistencies are identified

This regulatory action follows President Donald Trump's amplification of the Media Research Center report on Truth Social. The administration has consistently accused major technology platforms of implementing ideologically-driven content moderation, despite many platforms having recently scaled back fact-checking and misinformation countermeasures implemented during previous years.

The relationship between Apple and the Trump administration has experienced fluctuations. While Trump has criticized the company's manufacturing operations in China, relations improved following Cook's commitment to invest over $600 billion in U.S.-based operations over the next four years. Additionally, Apple successfully avoided proposed tariffs on imported smartphones manufactured overseas.

This investigation aligns with the FTC's broader initiative launched last year to examine "censorship by tech platforms," soliciting public input from users who believe they were silenced due to political ideologies or affiliations. "Tech firms should not be bullying their users," Ferguson stated at the initiative's launch. "This inquiry will help the FTC better understand how these firms may have violated the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for speaking their minds."

Apple has not issued a public response to the FTC's inquiry at this time.

Sources:
FTC Chair Letter to Apple CEO
Media Research Center Report