FTC Warns Apple CEO Over Alleged Bias in Apple News Content

Detected February 13th, 2026

Summary

The FTC has issued a warning letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding alleged bias in Apple News content. The letter states that if Apple misrepresents its news service or violates its terms of service, it could be in violation of the FTC Act.

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What changed

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook concerning reports that Apple News systematically favors left-wing sources and suppresses right-wing sources. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson stated that such practices could violate the FTC Act if they are inconsistent with Apple's terms of service, contrary to consumer expectations due to material omissions, or cause substantial consumer injury.

This action serves as a notice to Apple and potentially other large technology companies that biased content moderation in news aggregation services may lead to FTC enforcement. While this is a warning letter and not a formal enforcement action, it signals the FTC's intent to scrutinize such practices. Companies engaging in similar activities should review their content policies and terms of service to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and avoid potential investigations or penalties.

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Commissioners Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson issued a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, reminding him of Apple’s obligations to its customers. The letter follows reports that Apple News systematically boosts left-wing sources and suppresses right-wing sources. The letter points out that if Apple misrepresents Apple News or violates its terms of service, it could be violating the FTC Act.

The letter says: “Big Tech companies that suppress or promote news articles in their news aggregators or feeds based on the perceived ideological or political viewpoint of the article or publication may violate the FTC Act if that suppression or promotion (1) is inconsistent with the terms and conditions of service; (2) is contrary to consumers’ reasonable expectations such that failure to disclose the ideological favoritism is a material omission; or (3) when those practices cause substantial injury that is neither reasonably avoidable nor outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or competition.”

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.