Apple tightens macOS Full Disk Access, citing AI agent risk
Apple will require very explicit user action for Full Disk Access, raising the bar for desktop AI agents that read files and private data.
ImportanceMaterialEvidenceE3 inspectableWrite-upQuick
Apple says it is tightening macOS's Full Disk Access permission: going forward, an app can receive this level of access only through very explicit user action.
Full Disk Access was designed so features like backups work, and it lets an app read files, mail, messages and even browsing history. In a blog post for developers, Apple said that as AI agents become more capable and autonomous, the risks of this level of access will grow substantially.
The backdrop is two incidents: Inc. columnist Jason Aten reported that Meta's Muse agent read his private messages without permission, which Meta disputed, and Wired reported a flaw in ChatGPT's Mac app that could have exposed sensitive data. Apple did not say when the new controls ship or how they will work, and did not respond to TechCrunch's inquiry.