FTC Issues Warning to Apple Over Political Bias in News App

A Stand Against Unfair Practices in Tech

The Federal Trade Commission, under the leadership of Chairman Andrew Ferguson, has taken a firm stance against potential bias in Apple's popular News app. This action highlights the administration's commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive practices in the digital space. Reports indicate that Apple News may be favoring left-leaning outlets while excluding conservative voices, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in content curation.

President Trump's administration continues to prioritize American values by addressing issues that affect free speech and consumer rights. The FTC's letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasizes the importance of adhering to terms of service and avoiding any form of ideological favoritism that could mislead users.

Details of the Allegations

A study by the Media Research Center analyzed 620 stories featured in Apple News during January 2026. The findings revealed that none originated from right-leaning outlets such as Fox News, the New York Post, Daily Mail, Breitbart, or The Gateway Pundit. Instead, 440 stories came from left-leaning sources like The Washington Post, NBC News, and The Guardian, with 180 from centrist outlets including The Wall Street Journal and Reuters.

This disparity has prompted scrutiny from regulators who argue it may violate consumer expectations. The AllSides media bias ratings were used in the analysis, which relies on a multi-partisan panel to assess outlet leanings. Such practices, if proven, could undermine trust in tech platforms that claim to provide balanced news access.

Apple News is described as the top news app in the country, combining human curation and algorithms to select content. Users can customize their feeds by following or blocking publications, but the featured stories are handpicked, influencing what millions see daily.

FTC Chairman's Strong Words

In his letter dated February 11, 2026, Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated, 'The First Amendment protects the speech of Big Tech firms. But the First Amendment has never extended its protection to material misrepresentations made to consumers, nor does it immunize speakers from conduct that Congress has deemed unfair under the FTC Act, even if that conduct involves speech.'

Ferguson further emphasized, 'The FTC is not the speech police; we do not have authority to require Apple or any other firm to take affirmative positions on any political issue, nor to curate news offerings consistent with one ideology or another. But Congress has mandated that we protect consumers from material misrepresentations and omissions, including when the product or service offered to consumers is a speech-related product.'

He urged Apple to conduct a comprehensive review of its terms of service and take corrective action if necessary. Ferguson expressed his personal view, saying, 'As an American citizen, I abhor and condemn any attempt to censor content for ideological reasons. Such efforts, whether taken to appease overzealous activists, at the behest of foreign governments, or simply to advance the political views of Silicon Valley elites, stifle the free exchange of ideas, manipulate the public discourse and are inconsistent with American values.'

Apple's Response and Broader Implications

An Apple spokesperson responded by noting that the News app provides access to over 3,000 publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Bloomberg, USA Today, Washington Examiner, New York Post, CBS News, and local outlets. They added, 'Apple News users can tailor the app to their interests by choosing to follow or block specific publications or topics.'

Despite this, critics argue that the curated sections disproportionately amplify certain viewpoints. The FTC's involvement underscores the administration's efforts to ensure tech companies operate fairly, aligning with President Trump's focus on combating perceived biases in media and technology.

This warning comes amid broader inquiries into tech censorship. In February 2025, Ferguson launched an investigation into how firms might be silencing Americans' voices, reflecting a dedication to upholding free expression.

Potential Violations and Next Steps

The FTC references Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts. If Apple News' practices are found inconsistent with its terms or consumer expectations, it could face enforcement actions. Ferguson highlighted that suppressing or promoting articles based on ideology might constitute material omissions or misrepresentations.

Analysts note that this could set a precedent for how news aggregators handle content. With millions relying on Apple News for daily updates, ensuring neutrality is crucial for informed citizenship.

The administration's proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to consumer protection without overreaching into speech regulation. As the situation develops, Apple may need to adjust its curation processes to include a wider range of perspectives.