Is the FTC Targeting Apple for Censoring Conservative News?

Apple is under increasing political scrutiny due to allegations that it has "systematically suppressed" news from conservative outlets through its Apple News app. The head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has urged the company to review its policies, suggesting that ideological suppression might breach consumer protection regulations. This follows claims from a conservative media watchdog, which stated that Apple News failed to include articles from right-leaning sources in its top stories. This situation raises important questions about tech companies' influence on news curation and potential biases in media representation.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The political pressure on Apple has intensified following a letter from FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, who called for a thorough review of Apple News' curation policies. This scrutiny arises amid accusations from the Media Research Center, which claims that the app consistently omits news from conservative sources. While the FTC lacks legal power to enforce changes to Apple’s platform, Ferguson has emphasised the need for transparency and adherence to consumer protection standards. This situation is emblematic of broader concerns regarding the balance of power tech companies hold over media narratives.

Key takeaways

Apple is facing allegations of suppressing conservative news content in its Apple News app.
The FTC has urged Apple to review its content curation policies.
Concerns are raised regarding the potential violation of consumer protection rules.
Apple News remains the second most popular news app in the UK.
Political figures, including Donald Trump, have highlighted these allegations.

Timeline: how we got here

Here are key dates that outline the development of this situation:

January 2023: Apple News ranked as the second most popular news app in the UK.
October 2023: The Media Research Center published a report alleging that Apple News did not feature articles from right-leaning outlets in its top 20 stories.
26 October 2023: FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson sent a letter to Apple urging a review of its news curation practices.
October 2023: Public discourse surrounding the allegations has gained traction, including comments from political figures.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The FTC's recent letter to Apple signifies heightened regulatory interest in the company's content curation processes. Ferguson's request for a comprehensive review indicates potential scrutiny over how Apple’s algorithms determine which news stories are highlighted. This comes amid a backdrop of increasing political debate about the influence of tech companies on media representation.

What was already established

Prior to this, Apple has maintained a commitment to promoting high-quality journalism through its news app, asserting that it excludes content deemed inaccurate or non-compliant with established journalistic standards. This previous stance has now come into question with the rise of allegations surrounding ideological bias in the news displayed on the app.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, these allegations may raise concerns regarding the diversity of news sources available through popular platforms like Apple News. If consumers perceive bias in content curation, it could influence their trust in the app, potentially leading them to seek alternative news sources that they believe offer a more balanced perspective.

Businesses and jobs

The accusations against Apple could have ripple effects across the media landscape. If tech companies face increasing pressure to alter their content policies, it may lead to changes in how news is reported and circulated. Journalists and media businesses could find themselves navigating a more complex environment regarding content visibility and ideological balance.

Policy and regulation

This situation is also significant from a regulatory perspective. If the FTC chooses to pursue further investigation or if Congress decides to enact new regulations regarding content curation practices, it could set a precedent for how tech companies operate in the media space. The ongoing scrutiny of Apple could prompt similar reviews of other companies in the sector.

Numbers that matter

3,000+ publications featured on Apple News, showcasing a wide array of content.
2nd position of Apple News in the UK as of January 2023, indicating its popularity.
$25 million (£18.4 million) settlement paid by Meta to Trump regarding content bans, highlighting the financial stakes involved in content regulation.
1 million+ dollars donated by Tim Cook to Trump, showing the intertwining of politics and business.
20 stories allegedly lacking representation from right-leaning outlets in the Media Research Center’s report.

Definitions and jargon buster

FTC: Federal Trade Commission, a US government agency responsible for consumer protection and competition.
Apple News: An app that aggregates news stories from various publications, personalised based on user preferences.
Media Research Center: A conservative media watchdog that monitors media bias and promotes conservative viewpoints.
Algorithm: A set of rules or calculations used by computers to process data and make decisions, such as curating news articles.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, observers should monitor any public statements from Apple regarding the allegations and the FTC’s letter. Additionally, the reactions from conservative media outlets and political figures will be telling in shaping the narrative surrounding the issue.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, it will be essential to track any developments from the FTC or Congress regarding potential regulations on content curation practices. This could lead to significant changes in how tech companies manage their news platforms, especially if there is a push for increased transparency.

Signals to watch

Response from Apple regarding the FTC's call for a review.
Potential actions or statements from Congress on regulating tech companies' content practices.
Changes in user engagement metrics on Apple News amidst the ongoing scrutiny.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about developments regarding the allegations against Apple.
Consider diversifying news sources to ensure exposure to a range of viewpoints.
Engage with reputable journalism that adheres to established standards.

Don’t

Don’t rely solely on one news app for diverse perspectives.
Don’t dismiss claims of bias without exploring multiple viewpoints.
Don’t ignore changes in policies from tech companies that may affect news consumption.

Checklist

Review your news sources for diversity in coverage.
Monitor for official responses from Apple and the FTC.
Evaluate your engagement with news content based on perceived biases.
Stay updated on any regulatory changes that could affect news platforms.
Seek out discussions about media representation in the political landscape.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the allegations against Apple raise significant concerns regarding content curation and bias, it is important to acknowledge that the landscape of media and technology is ever-evolving. The FTC has limited powers to enact changes directly, and the outcomes of this scrutiny remain uncertain. Factors such as political shifts, public sentiment, and technological advancements will play crucial roles in shaping the future of news consumption and regulation.

Bottom line

The growing pressure on Apple over claims of ideological bias in its news app highlights the complexities of content curation in an increasingly polarized media environment. As scrutiny intensifies, both consumers and tech companies must navigate the implications of these allegations and their potential effects on public trust and media representation.

FAQs

What are the allegations against Apple regarding its news app?

Apple is accused of systematically suppressing news from conservative outlets in its Apple News app, leading to calls for a review of its curation policies by the FTC.

What is the FTC's role in this situation?

The FTC has urged Apple to review its content curation practices, citing potential violations of consumer protection rules, but it lacks legal authority to enforce changes.

How popular is Apple News in the UK?

As of January 2023, Apple News is the second most popular news app in the UK, providing access to articles from over 3,000 publications.