Apple has announced plans to introduce additional controls around the Full Disk Access feature in macOS, citing growing security risks associated with increasingly capable artificial intelligence agents.

The feature was originally designed to allow certain applications, including backup software, to access files and other protected information on a Mac, but Apple now says the rise of AI agents has increased the risks associated with granting such broad permissions.

The announcement follows concerns about desktop based AI applications and their ability to access private files, messages and other sensitive information.

It also comes after reports involving Meta’s Muse application, in which a journalist claimed the application was able to access private messages without permission.

Meta disputed the claim, while the incident nevertheless raised wider questions about how AI applications handle sensitive information on users’ computers.

Apple explained that Full Disk Access can give applications permission to access files, emails, messages and browsing history.

The company warned that some developers are using the permission in ways that could expose users to significant risks, particularly when users do not fully understand the extent of access they are granting to an application.

Going forward, Apple said it would introduce additional controls to ensure that users who genuinely want to provide an application with Full Disk Access must take explicit action.

The company said this approach would help users better understand the risks before granting applications access to highly sensitive information stored on their devices.

Apple said the issue has become increasingly important as AI agents become more capable and autonomous.

The company warned that the risks associated with broad system access could grow substantially as these technologies develop.

Apple said it was committed to ensuring that users understand the implications of granting such permissions so they can make informed decisions about their data and privacy.

Source: TechCrunch