Apple changes full-disk access permissions to curb abuse from AI agents

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1. 2h ago

   Apple Tightens macOS Full Disk Access Controls to Restrict AI Agents

   Apple is updating macOS security controls to restrict Full Disk Access permissions, aiming to prevent abuse from autonomous artificial intelligence agents. The company stated that certain developers are utilizing Full Disk Access in ways that expose system files, messages, mail, and browsing history without users fully understanding the risks. These broad permissions can also compromise the privacy of individuals communicating through messaging applications. The upcoming security adjustments will introduce clearer warnings and stricter prompts when AI tools attempt to gain comprehensive system access, following complaints regarding Meta's Muse.

   Why it matters

   Full Disk Access was originally introduced in macOS Mojave to give users greater control over applications accessing core data repositories like Mail, Messages, Safari, and Time Machine backups. As artificial intelligence tools become more advanced and autonomous, developers increasingly request broad system privileges that bypass granular security walls. This shift highlights growing friction between platform security teams and developers building automated agents that require deep system integration.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple is tightening controls around the macOS Full Disk Access setting due to security risks posed by artificial intelligence agents.
   • Apple stated that some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that expose files, mail, messages, and browsing history without users fully understanding the risks.
   • Full Disk Access was introduced by Apple in macOS Mojave version 10.14.
   • Apple will add clearer warnings and extra controls on Macs when AI agents request broad access to user files.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Meta says Full Disk Access is not sufficient for Muse to read messages, while Apple maintains that broad data access poses risks.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation details and release schedules for the updated macOS prompts and permission controls
   • Developer community responses to the tighter data access restrictions on Macs
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. www.apple.com — Apple
   2. www.apple.com — Apple Store Online
   3. account.apple.com — Manage your Apple Account
   4. Ars Technica — Apple changes full-disk access permissions to curb abuse from AI agents
   5. Bloomberg.com — Apple to Tighten Mac Data Controls in Guard Against AI Agents
   6. TechCrunch — Apple says it’s tightening macOS ‘Full Disk Access’ controls due to new risks from AI agents
   7. Mashable — Apple will update Macs to protect users from AI agents with full disk access
   8. Reuters — Apple says it will flag AI requests for Mac data after Meta's Muse draws complaints
   9. lifehacker.com — Apple Wants to Make It Harder to Run Agentic AI on Your Mac
   10. MacStories — Apple Announces Plan to Impose New Full Disk Access Controls on Mac Developers
   11. Newsshooter — Apple has notified developers that, as AI agents become more advanced & autonomous, full-disk access to all data on a Mac poses an increasing risk
   12. arstechnica.com — Apple changes full-disk access permissions to curb abuse from AI agents
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