Apple questioned by GOP senator on news app's alleged bias - Fox

Apple questioned by GOP senator on news app's alleged bias - Fox

Apple Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Political Bias in News App

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has raised concerns about potential political bias in Apple's News app, sending a letter to CEO Tim Cook demanding transparency. The letter follows a study by the conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which found that Apple News featured zero articles from right-leaning outlets and 440 from left-leaning outlets in January 2026. Blackburn, chair of the Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy subcommittee, emphasized that users deserve access to diverse perspectives and warned that algorithmic or editorial bias could undermine consumer trust according to the letter.

Apple News, pre-installed on iPhones and boasting over 100 million monthly active users globally, curates content through a team led by editor-in-chief Lauren Kern, a former New York Magazine and New York Times Magazine executive as reported. The app's curation process, which blends human oversight and algorithmic promotion, has drawn scrutiny for its perceived lack of balance. The Media Research Center criticized Apple for a "defiant stance against offering news from right-leaning outlets".

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also weighed in, with Chairman Andrew Ferguson warning that Apple News could violate Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive practices. Ferguson argued that while the First Amendment protects Apple's editorial choices, it does not shield the company from liability for "material misrepresentations" to consumers. This follows broader regulatory interest in tech companies' content moderation practices, including recent actions against Meta, Google, and X.

Apple has not publicly responded to the allegations but has stated its app prioritizes "quality journalism" while excluding content deemed factually inaccurate or promotional according to company statements. The company's relationship with former President Donald Trump, including high-profile White House visits by CEO Tim Cook, has added political dimension to the debate as detailed.

As the FTC and lawmakers continue to probe the issue, Apple faces pressure to clarify its curation policies and address claims of ideological bias. The outcome could influence broader regulatory scrutiny of tech platforms' role in shaping public discourse.

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