Apple has announced that it is introducing additional controls for the Full Disk Access setting on macOS due to new risks introduced by AI agents. The security update follows recent reports regarding AI applications reading private messages and potential data vulnerabilities involving desktop AI tools like Meta's Muse and ChatGPT on Mac.
Desktop AI agents allow users to grant applications extensive access to personal files, messages, and computer content by modifying system settings. Apple stated that some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could inadvertently expose entire user systems without full understanding, noting that as autonomous AI agents become more capable, these risks will continue to grow substantially.
In response to these emerging security challenges, Apple plans to implement new controls ensuring that users who choose to grant apps this high level of access must take very explicit action. Why it matters: This policy shift aims to give users clearer understanding and control over their private data as autonomous desktop AI applications become more prevalent.