Apple is changing Full Disk Access in macOS

Apple has announced plans to update the Full Disk Access permissions in macOS, according to a post on the company's Developer News site. The company aims to introduce additional controls to ensure that users who wish to grant an app this level of access do so with explicit user action. This move is crucial as AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, which will heighten the risks associated with granting such extensive access.

Nick Heer has provided a detailed analysis of the announcement, though it remains unclear exactly what the "additional controls" will entail. However, some developers whose apps rely on this permission have expressed caution. The company's approach to balancing security and convenience is a complex issue. While granting Full Disk Access to apps on iOS is unwise, the Mac allows for more flexibility, especially when it comes to AI agents.

The AI agents that can be used on a phone are limited in their access, but an AI agent with Full Disk Access on a Mac can gain much more. This is akin to giving an agent power of attorney to act autonomously on behalf of the user, without their full knowledge. Despite the potential risks, there are legitimate uses for Full Disk Access. For instance, Terminal, BBEdit, and SuperDuper are three apps that Nick has granted this permission to on his MacBook Air, as they are trusted and necessary for their core functionality.

This update is likely a response to recent concerns about privacy, such as Meta's Muse app gaining access to a user's Messages despite being set to not permit it. The change also reflects the growing importance of AI agents and the need for them to have the necessary permissions. Apple has not yet provided a detailed explanation of the "additional controls," but the company's response to the evolving landscape of AI and security is clear.