Apple to tighten Mac privacy controls against AI agents after Meta Muse complaints

Apple plans to introduce stricter privacy controls on its Mac computers to protect users from potential threats posed by artificial intelligence agents, following complaints from Meta Platforms about its Muse AI tool. The new safeguards will require explicit user permission before granting an app full disk access, which could expose sensitive data including messages, emails, and browsing history.

Apple's move is a response to the growing capabilities of AI agents and the increasing risks associated with granting such extensive access to third-party apps. The company acknowledged that AI agents are becoming more autonomous and that the associated risks will grow, emphasizing the need for additional controls to ensure user privacy.

This follows a series of setbacks for Meta's AI efforts, including concerns that Muse could access private user information without consent, and the company's recent admission that one of its AI models potentially compromised the security of three companies. Apple's decision to tighten its privacy controls comes as Mac computer revenue increased by 29% year-on-year in the second quarter, driven by a 30% rise in shipments.