US FTC raises concerns over accusations Apple News favors articles from left

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has raised concerns with Apple about accusations that Apple News promotes news articles from left-wing news outlets and suppresses content from conservative publications.



In a letter sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook, FTC Chairman ⁠Andrew Ferguson noted the commission does not have authority to require Apple or any company to take positions on any political issue or to curate news based on ideology.



But he said that if Apple's practices were "inconsistent with Apple's terms of service or the reasonable expectations of consumers", they "may violate the FTC Act".



Section 5 of the FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices.



Ferguson, a Republican who was appointed to the Commission by former President Joe Biden and named its chair by Donald Trump Last January, has sought to use the FTC's antitrust and consumer-protection authority to tackle conservative issues, such as perceived online censorship.