FTC Chair Accuses Apple News of Political Bias, Demands Explanation

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson has sent a formal letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, alleging the tech giant's news aggregation service suppresses conservative media. Ferguson cites a study from a pro-Trump political group claiming Apple News limits the visibility of stories from outlets including Fox News, the New York Post, and Breitbart while promoting left-leaning sources.

In the letter, Ferguson questions whether this practice, if true, violates Apple's own terms of service and betrays the trust of its users. "Recently, there have been reports that Apple News has systematically promoted news articles from left-wing news outlets and suppressed news articles from more conservative publications," he wrote, framing it as a potential consumer protection issue.

The move drew immediate criticism from media watchdogs. Craig Aaron of Free Press called the letter "dangerous," stating, "This is what government censorship looks like. Ferguson’s claims aren’t based on any facts or evidence, just innuendo from discredited partisan operatives." Aaron urged Apple to publicly reject what he termed government overreach.

Ferguson defended his inquiry, writing to Cook, "As an American citizen, I abhor and condemn any attempt to censor content for ideological reasons." He argued such actions would manipulate public discourse.

Apple has not yet responded to the FTC's letter or requests for comment. The situation places the company in a difficult position, balancing potential regulatory scrutiny against accusations of yielding to political pressure.

Source: Ars Technica