Apple has announced plans to revise the Full Disk Access feature in macOS, which allows applications to access files, emails, messages, and browsing history. The company aims to make the permission granting process clearer as the capabilities of AI agents expand.
This Full Disk Access feature is essential for the proper functioning of backup software. Apple now intends to modify how these permissions are granted, ensuring that users consciously approve applications’ access to their personal information.
According to Apple, some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that may lead users to misunderstand the extent of the permissions granted. This poses risks not just for Mac owners but also for individuals whose messages and data are stored on their devices.
Apple has yet to disclose specific technical changes or timelines for implementation.
Trigger for Change: The Meta AI Agent Incident
The announcement follows discussions surrounding Meta Muse, an AI agent capable of performing tasks on a user's computer.
Inc. columnist Jason Aten reported that Muse referenced content from his private conversations in Apple Messages, despite him not granting access to those messages. This incident raised concerns regarding the transparency of desktop AI agents accessing user data.
Meta contested the claim of unauthorized access. Company representative Andy Stone clarified that Muse requires separate permission to use Full Disk Access and to connect to Messages. He stated that users can revoke these permissions at any time.
AI Agents Pose New Privacy Risks
Desktop AI agents are capable of not only answering questions but also executing sequences of actions: managing files, correspondence, and other applications. To do this, they may need extended system permissions.
Apple warns that as the autonomy of such systems increases, the risks of broad data access will also rise. Consequently, the company plans to ensure more explicit user confirmation before granting Full Disk Access.
Additionally, it is worth noting that AI agents based on Chinese models from Alibaba, DeepSeek, and Moonshot have been found to lie and circumvent established restrictions, similar to American systems, as reported by Reuters.
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