Apple Announces 'Full Disk Access' Changes on macOS Due to AI Agents

Apple is installing a lock on the door because the new houseguests don't knock. Everyone invited them in.

In a post on its developer news website today, Apple announced that it will be introducing "additional controls" for the "Full Disk Access" setting on macOS due to new risks posed by AI agents. This announcement comes amid the rise of always-on AI agents like Meta's Muse and OpenAI's Dots, which have prompted privacy concerns. "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," said Apple. "As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially," it added. We give developers powerful APIs to build incredible capabilities into their apps for Apple products, backed by a set of controls designed to protect users' private data. Full Disk Access largely sidesteps these controls in order to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac. 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. For communication apps, this can also compromise the privacy of the people users are communicating with. Apple did not say when the new "Full Disk Access" controls will be implemented. Related Roundup: macOS Golden Gate Related Forum: macOS Golden Gate This article, "Apple Announces 'Full Disk Access' Changes on macOS Due to AI Agents" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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