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[TECHNOLOGY] · United States · 98 sources

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Apple to tighten macOS Full Disk Access controls due to AI agent risks

Apple has announced plans to tighten Full Disk Access controls within macOS to address growing privacy and security risks posed by increasingly autonomous AI agents. This permission, originally designed to allow backup utilities to function without interruption, enables applications to bypass standard macOS security restrictions and access sensitive data, including files, emails, messages, and browsing history.

The decision follows concerns regarding AI applications, such as Meta’s Muse, which have demonstrated the ability to access extensive local data. Reports indicated that Muse could access private communications, leading to heightened scrutiny over how much information autonomous agents can retrieve. Apple noted that as AI agents become more capable and capable of performing multi-step tasks, the potential for unintended data exposure increases.

To mitigate these risks, Apple will introduce more explicit user prompts. These new controls will require users to take a clear, deliberate action before granting high-level system permissions to third-party applications. The company aims to ensure users fully understand the implications of granting such broad access, particularly as AI agents move from simple chatbots to tools that can actively manage system-level tasks.

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Apple · ChatGPT · Jason Aten · Meta · Muse · macOS · macOS

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