Apple announced it is tightening macOS Full Disk Access controls due to increased risks from AI agents. The feature, designed to allow backups to function properly, now poses potential security threats as AI agents gain more access to user data.
Apple’s statement comes after a Wired report cited a flaw in ChatGPT’s Mac app that could have allowed hackers to access sensitive data. The company emphasized that some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems without full user knowledge.
"Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems…without users’ full knowledge and understanding," Apple said in a new blog post aimed at developers.
The company aims to ensure users who genuinely wish to grant an app this level of access can do so only with very explicit user action.
The decision follows a report by Inc. columnist Jason Aten, who claimed that Meta’s Muse app on Mac read his private messages despite not having given the AI agent permission. This raised concerns about the security and trust users have in desktop-based AI, which can access files, messages, and other personal content.
Apple did not respond to TechCrunch’s inquiry about the feature change, and the company remains focused on ensuring users understand the risks before granting such access. The move reflects growing concerns about AI agents becoming more capable and autonomous, increasing the risks associated with Full Disk Access.
Source: techcrunch
