Apple News faces FTC warning over alleged political bias
Synopsis
The Federal Trade Commission has warned Apple CEO Tim Cook over how Apple News selects stories. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said regulators are reviewing whether its curation could mislead consumers or violate protection laws. The warning follows complaints of political bias and comes amid broader scrutiny of major technology companies’ conduct and market power.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has warned Apple CEO Tim Cook over alleged political bias in the Apple News app. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said the company must ensure its news curation practices comply with consumer protection laws. The warning follows complaints that political viewpoints may be excluded from placement.
Key Highlights
- FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson sent letter warning Apple over Apple News curation practices.
- Letter cites complaints alleging political bias and potential consumer protection law violations.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook urged to review terms and ensure transparency for users.
- DOJ antitrust leadership changes occur amid wider scrutiny of large technology companies.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook regarding the allegations of how the Apple News app chooses and presents its stories so that it questions whether its actions are within the U.S. consumer protection laws.
On February 11, 2026, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson wrote a letter to Cook, stating that there have been complaints that Apple News can give preference to some political opinions but not others. He said that companies need to make sure that the methods used to select the content should not mislead users or conflict with what the public claims that it is neutral and fair.
According to the regulator, it does not regulate speech but it is tasked with ensuring that it prevents deceptive or unfair business practices. Ferguson requested Apple to look into its policies and ensure that the news curation is consistent with its terms of service and the needs of consumer protection.
An Apple News is an in-built application in iPhones and other Apple products that gathers news published by various publishers and displays it within one feed. Since the app is installed by default and is very popular, regulators claimed that the content selection may affect the manner in which users obtain information.
Apple has yet to publicly address the FTC letter.
The warning is part of the increased regulatory oversight of large technology firms. Meanwhile, there are leadership shifts in the U.S. Department of Justice, with Abigail Slater resigning her post as the head of antitrust enforcement. The antitrust department of the Justice Department focuses on competition law enforcement and corporate review.
The United States has heightened its attention to large technology companies, regarding competition, transparency, and consumer protection. The FTC alleged that firms should not deceive their consumers with the content selection processes by being incoherent or hidden.
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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