FTC Questions Apple News Over Alleged Bias Against Conservative Media

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has raised concerns about Apple News following allegations that the platform favors left-leaning media outlets while excluding conservative publications. In a letter addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said recent reports suggest Apple News may be promoting content from liberal news sources while failing to feature articles from conservative-leaning outlets.

Although Ferguson acknowledged that the FTC does not have the authority to require Apple or any company to adopt a particular political stance or curate news based on ideology, he emphasized that the agency can intervene if consumer protection laws are violated. Under Section 5 of the FTC Act, businesses are prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices. If Apple’s content curation policies are inconsistent with its terms of service or mislead consumers about how news is selected, the company could face regulatory scrutiny.

Ferguson cited studies claiming that in recent months Apple News did not prominently feature articles from American conservative publications, while highlighting hundreds of stories from liberal media organizations. Apple News, which aggregates and curates content from newspapers, magazines, and digital publishers, delivers personalized news feeds to millions of users across the United States.

“These reports raise serious questions about whether Apple News is operating in line with its stated policies and consumer expectations,” Ferguson wrote in the letter, which he shared publicly on X. Apple has not yet issued a response to the allegations.

The issue reflects broader debates over alleged online censorship, media bias, and the responsibility of technology platforms in content moderation. Ferguson has previously stated that the FTC should investigate whether major tech companies mislead users or suppress conservative speech, as well as whether coordinated advertiser actions have impacted platforms like Elon Musk’s X.

The FTC’s inquiry into Apple News could have significant implications for tech regulation, digital media transparency, and free speech discussions in the United States.