The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expressed concerns regarding claims that Apple may be limiting conservative viewpoints on its Apple News platform.
In a correspondence directed to Apple CEO Tim Cook, FTC chair Andrew Ferguson highlighted allegations from the Media Research Center, which suggested that Apple is not featuring right-leaning publications among the top articles in the Apple News feed.
Ferguson's letter stated, "These claims prompt significant inquiries into whether Apple News is adhering to its service terms and commitments to users. I firmly oppose any efforts to censor content based on ideological grounds."
Although Ferguson acknowledged that the FTC lacks authority to mandate Apple's editorial choices, he noted that if the company's practices diverge from its stated terms or reasonable consumer expectations, it could potentially breach the FTC Act.
Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, echoed Ferguson's sentiments, asserting that "Apple has no right to suppress conservative perspectives in contravention of the FTC Act."
Ferguson has called on Apple to undertake a thorough evaluation of its service terms and ensure that the content presented on Apple News aligns with its policies, urging prompt corrective measures if discrepancies are found.
This letter follows a recent post by Donald Trump on his social media platform, where he shared the Media Research Center's report. Trump has frequently accused major tech firms of censoring conservative content, despite many platforms having rolled back previous measures aimed at combating misinformation.
Apple's interactions with the Trump administration have fluctuated over the past year. While Trump has criticized tech giants like Apple for their manufacturing practices in China, relations improved after Cook announced a commitment to invest over $600 billion in U.S. manufacturing.
Last year, the FTC also initiated an investigation into potential censorship by tech platforms, seeking feedback from individuals who felt marginalized due to their political beliefs. Ferguson emphasized the importance of protecting user rights, stating, "Tech companies should not intimidate their users."
As of now, Apple has not responded to requests for comment.