Apple Tightens macOS Full Disk Access Controls as AI Agent Risks Grow
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Oct 2
Apple Tightens macOS Full Disk Access Controls as AI Agent Risks Grow
2 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Oct 2
Summary
Apple said apps seeking Full Disk Access on macOS will face new controls requiring very explicit user action before they can reach files, messages, mail and browsing history.
The change targets rising risks from desktop AI agents, which Apple said can expose everything on a system if developers use that permission without users' full knowledge and understanding.
The move follows claims by Inc. columnist Jason Aten that Meta's Muse app read private messages without permission — an allegation Meta disputed — and a Wired report on a ChatGPT Mac app flaw.
Apple framed the shift as a broader privacy safeguard, warning that as AI agents become more capable and autonomous, the danger tied to extraordinary system access will grow substantially.