AI apps can reach far beyond the data Mac users intend to share, which has prompted Apple to take action and require clearer consent before granting access.
On Friday, Apple announced plans to tighten Full Disk Access controls on the Mac as AI agents gain access to sensitive personal information. The permission lets apps bypass privacy protections and could expose messages, email, files, and browsing history.
Recent incidents involving Meta's Muse and other agents illustrate the risks. Not only can they access sensitive information, OpenAI recently fixed a bug in its Mac app that could have allowed its agent to become corrupted and run malicious commands on behalf of an attacker.
For Mac users, granting Full Disk Access can also expose private information belonging to anyone they communicate with. Apple says its upcoming controls will require explicit user action, making the risks clearer before access is granted.
The full text, which is posted as an update to its developer website, is as follows:
There's no word when Apple will roll out the new "Full Disk Access" controls.
