Apple to limit Mac disk access amid growing AI agent risks
Apple is rolling out stricter controls for Full Disk Access on macOS, requiring explicit user action as autonomous AI agents increase security and privacy risks.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Apple is adding strict limits to Mac Full Disk Access in response to AI agent risks
- The update follows reports that Meta’s Muse AI accessed user messages without clear consent
- Apple notes that backup-intended permissions are being misused, exposing sensitive data
Apple has announced plans to implement tighter restrictions on Full Disk Access permissions across macOS, driven by the escalating security challenges introduced by advanced AI agents. According to an update released on Friday, the tech giant is introducing new controls designed to ensure that any user wishing to grant apps this deep level of system access must do so through very clear and intentional actions.
The company emphasized that the upcoming adjustments will prevent applications from quietly exploiting sweeping permissions, ensuring owners fully understand when sensitive system data is being exposed to third-party software.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This policy shift arrives just weeks after Jason Aten of Inc reported discovering that Meta’s Muse AI appeared to possess knowledge of his private message contents despite lacking explicit authorization on his devices. In response, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone pushed back, maintaining that access to Messages is entirely opt-in and requires users to manually enable both Full Disk Access and the specific Messages connector.
"Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users’ full knowledge and understanding… As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially."
Apple
Apple's proactive move highlights a crucial paradigm shift in the era of autonomous AI agents. Originally, Full Disk Access was carved out as an exception in macOS privacy controls primarily to let backup software operate without hindrance. However, as software increasingly integrates automated AI capabilities that scan and synthesize personal data, this broad permission vector has turned into a major privacy loophole. Tightening these restrictions establishes an essential security boundary before autonomous agents become deeply entrenched in daily computing workflows.
Full Disk Access currently grants software broad permission to inspect an entire macOS system, a feature Apple notes was originally structured to bypass standard privacy safeguards strictly for backup utility functionality. The corporation has not yet disclosed a specific release timeline for when these stricter disk access controls will officially roll out, and did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Verge.
Source: The Verge
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