FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson Warns Apple CEO Tim Cook Over Apple News
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson told Tim Cook on Feb. 12, 2026 that Apple News may violate the FTC Act if it suppresses or promotes articles based on political viewpoint.
Overview
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson wrote in a Feb. 12, 2026 letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook that Apple News may violate the FTC Act if it suppresses or promotes articles based on political viewpoint.
Apple News aggregates stories from more than 3,000 publications and was the most popular news app in the U.S., Canada and Australia and second in the U.K. in January, according to Apple.
Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr praised Ferguson in an X post, while Craig Aaron of Free Press called the letter "dangerous" in a statement.
Media Research Center analysis of Apple News morning editions Jan. 1-31 counted 620 top-20 articles and found more than 400 from outlets it rated left-leaning, and NewsGuard has sued the FTC, records show.
Ferguson asked Apple to review its terms and "take corrective action swiftly" and said the FTC will evaluate whether practices cause "substantial injury," and signaled possible enforcement in coming weeks, according to the letter.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story skeptically toward the FTC complaint, emphasizing lack of cited contract provisions, foregrounding Apple News’ terms ('as‑is', 'sole remedy... stop using the site') and noting the bias of the evidence (a Media Research Center study described as pro‑Trump). They prioritize context and counterarguments over allegations.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The Media Research Center analyzed 620 top stories in Apple News morning editions from Jan. 1-31, finding over 400 from left-leaning outlets, with right-leaning sources like Fox News and New York Post excluded from top stories for 96 consecutive days.
Ferguson asked Apple to review its terms of service and article curation practices, take corrective action swiftly if suppressing content based on political viewpoint, and noted the FTC would evaluate if practices cause substantial injury.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr praised Ferguson on X, while Craig Aaron of Free Press called the letter 'dangerous'. Apple did not immediately respond to comment requests.
The FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices; Ferguson warned that suppressing or promoting articles based on political viewpoint in Apple News may violate it by causing substantial injury or breaching Apple's terms.
Apple News aggregates stories from over 3,000 publications and was the most popular news app in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and second in the U.K. in January.[1]
History
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