The US Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning to Apple, alleging that its news service is favoring left-leaning sources over right-leaning ones, which may violate FTC laws.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has raised concerns regarding Apple's news distribution service, Apple News, signaling possible violations of FTC laws. This warning is largely based on reports alleging that Apple disproportionately promotes left-leaning media outlets while suppressing conservative news sources. The FTC's inquiry points to apparent discrepancies between Apple's practices and the expectations of consumers as well as the company's own terms of service.
The warning from the FTC cited several instances where Apple News is believed to favor certain political viewpoints, suggesting that the curated content may contradict the principles of fair representation and non-discrimination in media distribution. The agency emphasized that while it does not function as a 'speech police,' it has a mandate to ensure that claims of false advertising or favoritism in digital news services are investigated thoroughly.
The letter, addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook and signed by FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, reflects the increasing scrutiny of Big Tech companies regarding their control over news and information dissemination. Ferguson, appointed by former President Trump, underscores the agency's commitment to oversight of companies that influence public discourse through the services they provide, especially at a time of heightened political polarization in the United States.
