Apple has announced plans to introduce additional privacy controls for Full Disk Access on Mac computers as concerns grow over how increasingly capable AI agents can access sensitive user data.The company said on October 2 that some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk. Apple said the permission can expose files, emails, messages and browsing history, and that future safeguards will require users to take more explicit action before granting such access.Key HighlightsApple plans additional controls for Full Disk Access on macOS.The company says some developers are using the permission in ways that could put users at risk.Full Disk Access can provide broad access to files, mail, messages and browsing history.The announcement comes amid concerns surrounding AI agents such as Meta’s Muse.Meta disputes claims that Muse can access Messages without users enabling the required permissions.Apple has not yet announced a specific rollout date for the new controls.Apple Plans Stricter Full Disk Access ControlsFull Disk Access is a macOS permission that allows applications to access data that would normally be protected by the operating system. Apple says the feature was designed in part to allow applications such as backup services to work properly.However, Apple now says the level of access can create privacy risks, particularly as AI agents become more autonomous and capable of interacting with files, applications and personal information.The company has not yet detailed exactly when or how the new controls will be introduced. Apple said users who genuinely want to provide an app with this level of access will need to give “very explicit” permission.AI Agents Raise New Mac Privacy ConcernsApple’s announcement comes amid growing discussion around AI agents that can perform tasks directly on users’ computers.The issue received attention after technology columnist Jason Aten said Meta’s Muse AI agent appeared to reference content from his private Apple Messages conversations despite his claim that he had not granted it permission to access those messages.Meta disputed that account. Meta CTO David Singleton said the Messages integration in Muse is opt-in and requires both Full Disk Access and the Messages connector to be enabled before Muse can read Messages content.Apple did not specifically name Meta or Muse in its announcement. Its statement instead referred generally to developers using Full Disk Access in ways that could expose users and their contacts to privacy risks.Why Full Disk Access MattersUnlike Apple's iPhone and iPad operating systems, where applications are generally sandboxed from one another, macOS provides certain applications with broader access when users grant Full Disk Access.That permission can potentially provide access to a wide range of information, including files, mail, messages and browsing history. This becomes particularly significant with AI agents because these systems can process information and take actions across multiple applications.Apple said the risks could increase as AI agents become more capable and autonomous, making clearer user consent increasingly important.
