Apple says it will add macOS Full Disk Access controls over AI agent risks

Top News · 165 HN points

Full Disk Access was built so backup apps could work. It can also let an app reach your files, mail, messages and browsing history. Amid concerns about desktop agents' access to personal data, Apple says it will add controls to this permission.

Here's what changed:

• Apple's stated safeguard is more explicit user action before an app can receive this level of access.
• The motivation is that desktop AI agents may access personal data without users fully understanding it.
• A journalist said Meta's Muse app on Mac knew the content of his private messages, a claim Meta disputed.
• A Wired report cited a flaw in ChatGPT's Mac app that could have exposed sensitive data.

One catch: Apple has given no release date or macOS version for the change.

Why care? If your agent depends on Full Disk Access, expect users to need to take more explicit action.

Sources: techcrunch.com