Apple plans to introduce stricter controls on Macs when AI agents request access to a computer’s data, the company said Friday.
Apple said the changes will make such requests more visible and require users to take explicit action before granting broad access.
The move follows concerns about AI agents that can perform complex tasks on behalf of users. Some users have questioned whether such tools can access private information without clear consent.
Apple Targets Full Disk Access
Mac computers offer a feature called Full Disk Access. It allows approved applications to access data across the system.
Apple designed the feature for legitimate uses. These include cloud backup services and other applications that need broad access to files.
However, Apple said some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could expose sensitive information.
Lamine Yamal Fires Spain to 3-1 Nations League Win Over Czechia
The company said the feature can provide access to files, emails, messages and browsing history. It warned that communication apps could also expose the private information of people communicating with the user.
Apple said future versions of macOS will add safeguards around this level of access.
Users who choose to grant permission will need to provide “very explicit user action,” according to Apple.
The company said the changes are increasingly important as AI agents become more capable and autonomous.
Meta’s Muse Draws Privacy Questions
The announcement follows criticism surrounding Meta’s AI agent, Muse.
Technology columnist Jason Aten accused Muse of accessing private messages on his Mac. He said he had not enabled Full Disk Access.
Meta rejected the suggestion that Muse could access Messages without permission.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said users must enable both Full Disk Access and the Messages connector before Muse can read Messages content.
Stone said the permission can also be revoked by users.
Apple declined to comment beyond its developer announcement. Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
AI Agents Raise New Privacy Risks
AI agents can perform tasks with limited user involvement. That makes access to personal data more important than with traditional applications.
Apple said the risks will grow as these systems become more autonomous.
The company said users must understand what access they are granting before approving it.
Apple’s approach reflects a wider industry focus on controlling AI agents and limiting their access to sensitive information.
The company has also introduced security tools for developers building agentic features. Apple recommends safeguards such as user confirmations and security checkpoints for sensitive actions.
