US FTC airs concerns over allegations that Apple News suppresses right-wing content

Source: TechCrunch

FTC raises concerns about alleged suppression of right‑wing content on Apple News

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expressed worries that Apple may be censoring conservative content on the Apple News app.

In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson cited reports from the Media Research Center, a right‑leaning think tank, which claim Apple is excluding right‑leaning outlets from the top 20 articles 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,” the letter reads.

Ferguson, a Big‑Tech critic appointed by former President Donald Trump, noted that the FTC lacks authority to compel Apple to adopt any particular ideological stance when curating news. However, he warned that if Apple’s practices are “inconsistent” with its terms of service or “reasonable expectations of consumers,” they could violate the FTC Act.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, also a Trump appointee, supported Ferguson’s position, stating, “Apple has no right to suppress conservative viewpoints in violation of the FTC Act.”

Ferguson urged Apple to conduct a “comprehensive review” of its terms of service, ensure that Apple News curation aligns with those policies, and “take corrective action swiftly” if it does not.

The letter follows a day after President Donald Trump shared the Media Research Center report on his Truth Social platform. Trump has repeatedly accused Big‑Tech firms of censoring right‑leaning content, even as many platforms have rolled back measures aimed at curbing fake news and disinformation.

Apple’s relationship with the Trump administration

Apple’s ties with the Trump administration have fluctuated over the past year. While Trump has criticized Big‑Tech—particularly Apple—for manufacturing devices in China, the company pledged to invest more than $600 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next four years, prompting a thaw in relations. Subsequent reports indicate that the administration’s stance toward Apple has improved, and Apple successfully dodged planned tariffs on smartphones made overseas and imported into the United States.

FTC investigation into “censorship by tech platforms”

Last year, the FTC launched an investigation into “censorship by tech platforms,” seeking public input from individuals who felt silenced because of their political views. At the time, Ferguson said, “Tech firms should not be bullying their users. 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’s response

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.