New Delhi: Apple plans to introduce additional privacy controls for Mac users who grant third-party applications access to sensitive system data, warning that the risks could increase as artificial intelligence agents become more capable and autonomous.
The company announced the changes on October 2 in an update for developers concerning macOS Full Disk Access. Apple said the permission can expose files, emails, messages, browsing history and other data stored on a Mac.
Under the planned changes, users who choose to grant an application Full Disk Access will have to take more explicit action. Apple said the aim is to ensure users clearly understand the implications before allowing such access.
Full Disk Access is a powerful macOS permission that largely bypasses some of the operating system’s normal privacy protections. Apple originally designed the capability in part to allow applications such as backup software to access data across the system.
Apple said some developers are using the permission in ways that could put users at risk without their full knowledge. It also highlighted the potential impact on people who communicate with users, since applications with access to messages may also be able to access information belonging to other individuals.
The company specifically linked the need for stronger safeguards to the rise of AI agents, which can perform tasks on behalf of users with limited or no direct supervision. Apple said the risks associated with broad data access could grow substantially as these systems become more capable and autonomous.
The announcement follows growing discussion around AI applications that require access to users’ files and other software. Meta has faced questions over its Muse AI agent after a journalist alleged that the application accessed private messages on a Mac without clear permission. Meta disputed that account and said Muse cannot access Messages without explicit permission.
AI agents from several major technology companies have also increased the demand for broader computer access as they move beyond answering questions to performing tasks across applications.
Apple's planned changes are intended to give Mac users greater awareness and control when applications request access to sensitive data, rather than eliminating Full Disk Access altogether.
