Apple to tighten Mac full disk access over AI agent risks

New controls will require explicit user action to grant broad access to files, messages and browsing history.

Apple plans to tighten Full Disk Access permissions on Macs, citing growing risks from increasingly autonomous AI agents, The Verge reported on October 2.

The company said new controls would require explicit user action before an app receives broad access to local data. Apple did not provide a rollout date.

Full Disk Access allows apps to bypass many macOS privacy controls and reach files, email, messages and browsing history. Apple said the permission was designed to let backup software function.

Apple warned that some developers use that access in ways users may not fully understand, and that more capable AI agents increase the risks.

The announcement follows a report by Inc. columnist Jason Aten that Meta’s Muse AI appeared to know his messages despite his saying he had not explicitly authorized access on his iPhone or Mac.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone disputed the account, saying Messages access is optional and requires users to enable both Full Disk Access and Muse’s Messages connector.

Apple did not immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Diego Almada Lopez. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.