Apple tightens control of “Full Disk Access” on macOS over risks from AI agents

Apple has announced that it will introduce additional controls around the “Full Disk Access” setting in macOS, as TechCrunch reports. The setting gives an app permission to access files, emails, messages and even browsing history, and was originally created so that backup applications could work properly.

According to Apple’s developer post, artificial intelligence agents have increased “the risks associated with this level of access.” Users who “really want to give an app this extraordinary level of access” will be able to do so only with “very explicit user action.”

In its developer post, Apple writes: “Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that may put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems… without users’ full knowledge and understanding.”

The immediate cause of the decision appears to be linked to recent reports: Inc. columnist Jason Aten reported that Meta’s Muse app on Mac knew the content of his private messages, even though he says he had not given the agent permission. Meta denied the claim. A Wired report also cited that a flaw in the ChatGPT Mac app could have allowed hackers access to sensitive data.

Apple has not responded to TechCrunch’s request for comment, and the details or timing of the new controls were not made public.