Apple tightens Full Disk Access controls on macOS due to AI agent risks

Apple will introduce additional controls for the setting known as Full Disk Access on macOS due to emerging risks from artificial intelligence (AI) agents.

According to a report by TechCrunch on Friday (2/10), the Full Disk Access feature was originally designed to ensure smooth data backup processes. However, the increasing capabilities of AI agents are posing new risks to user data.

In a recent developer blog post, Apple stated that some developers are using Full Disk Access “in ways that could endanger users, by providing access to all data on their systems… without the user’s understanding and knowledge.”

The company stated that it will introduce new controls moving forward to ensure that users who genuinely wish to grant this extraordinary level of access to an application can only do so through highly explicit actions.

Apple noted that tightening Full Disk Access controls is essential, as the risks associated with this level of access are expected to increase significantly as AI agents become more autonomous and sophisticated.

“We are committed to ensuring that users clearly understand these risks before granting such access, so they can make informed decisions regarding their own data and privacy,” Apple wrote.

Meta has denied such claims, stating that Muse does not read users’ private messages without permission.

The decision to restrict Mac features follows reports from Wired regarding a security vulnerability in the ChatGPT application for Mac, which could potentially allow hackers to access sensitive data.

AI agents operating on desktops allow users to grant broader access to relevant applications to reach files, messages, and other personal content on their computers by adjusting macOS settings.