In a recent interview on The Daily Show, guest host Jon Stewart accused Apple of pressuring him not to interview Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair, Lina Khan, on his Apple TV+ show and podcast, The Problem with Jon Stewart. Stewart expressed his frustration with Apple's reluctance to engage in public conversations about important issues, questioning their fear and sensitivity towards such discussions.

During the interview, Stewart discussed with Khan the FTC's efforts in pursuing antitrust litigation against major companies like Amazon and Kroger. When the topic shifted to the rise of artificial intelligence supported by tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft, Stewart disclosed Apple's request to avoid interviewing Khan on his podcast, leaving him perplexed about their apprehension.

Khan responded by pointing out the dangers associated with consolidating too much power and decision-making within a few companies. She emphasized the historical importance of antitrust and anti-monopoly laws in preventing the concentration of economic power since the country's inception.

Apple's decision to abruptly cancel the third season of The Problem with Jon Stewart in October 2020 was attributed to disagreements between Stewart and Apple regarding the show's content, particularly concerning China. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Apple threatened to cancel the series if they were not aligned on topics, a demand that Stewart resisted, leading to his departure from the show.

The FTC, under Khan's leadership, has not sued Apple specifically, but has pursued legal action against other tech giants such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft over antitrust concerns and their involvement in artificial intelligence. Khan has gained bipartisan praise for her relentless efforts in curbing anti-competitive practices in the tech industry. Her nomination by President Joe Biden was partly influenced by her public criticism of big tech companies. Khan previously authored a comprehensive report, spanning 449 pages, advocating for the breakup of large tech firms, including Apple, comparing them to monopolies of the Gilded Age.

While the FTC's pursuit of antitrust measures has attracted attention, the US Department of Justice recently filed a wide-ranging antitrust lawsuit against Apple. The lawsuit accuses the company of engaging in illegal monopolistic practices, stifling innovation, and maintaining dominance in the smartphone market.

During the interview, Stewart commended the FTC's work and inquired about the resistance faced by the regulatory body from big tech companies. Khan acknowledged that monopolies are inherently opposed to enforcement of anti-monopoly laws, resulting in expected pushback from such entities.

Apple has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding Stewart's accusations.

As discussions on the concentration of power and regulation in the tech industry continue, Khan's role at the FTC highlights the ongoing efforts to rein in big tech and ensure a fair marketplace for all.