Apple will update Macs to protect users from AI agents with full disk access

Apple faces growing concerns over AI agents accessing users' private data on Mac systems. Meta's Muse AI, which has surpassed 5 million downloads, is one such agent that can access a user's entire Mac system, syncing data and potentially exposing sensitive information. To address this, Apple plans to add more explicit controls to its Full Disk Access feature, which currently allows third-party apps to access specific functions on a user's computer.

Currently, when a user downloads a third-party app, they are asked to grant permission for specific functionality, such as camera or audio access. However, AI agents that operate autonomously pose additional risks, as they can access a broader range of data without users' understanding of the cybersecurity implications. Apple aims to clarify when apps request Full Disk Access, ensuring that users have to explicitly grant such extensive permissions.

This move is crucial as AI agents become more capable and autonomous, raising the stakes for user privacy.