Apple will start limiting Mac disk access for developers due to risk of AI agents
Apple confirms it will be changing Full Disk Access controls as AI agents start to seek more and more computer control.
Apple plans to implement stricter controls over Full Disk Access on macOS to safeguard user data from potential risks posed by agentic AI. Full Disk Access, initially created for system-wide backups, has become a concern due to AI agents' ability to gain excessive and unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as files, emails, messages, and browser history.
Apple acknowledges that some developers have exploited this feature, potentially exposing all data on users' systems. In an October 2 announcement, the company confirmed plans to introduce additional controls, ensuring users can grant Full Disk Access only after explicit action. Apple specifically highlighted AI agents as a critical factor prompting this change, emphasizing the importance of safety measures.
Although the new interface and options for Full Disk Access have not been updated yet, an upcoming macOS version is expected to include these changes. As of now, there is no indication that the modifications are part of the beta version of the upcoming macOS 27.2. Meta's Muse AI agent, for instance, was recently reported to have accessed a user's messages, but both Full Disk Access and the Messages connector remain opt-in features for each user.
Despite the broad nature of Apple's current Full Disk Access settings, implementing more granular controls is considered beneficial.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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