Apple says it will make it harder for Mac apps to get “Full Disk Access,” one of the most powerful permissions in macOS, and it is pointing to AI agents as a big reason why.
In a post on its developer news site on Oct. 2, Apple said some developers are using the permission “in ways that could put users at risk,” exposing files, mail, messages and browsing history “without users’ full knowledge.”
What is Full Disk Access?
The setting was designed mainly for apps like backup tools, which legitimately need to read almost everything on your drive. Once you grant it, an app can see data that macOS normally walls off, including your Mail and Messages databases and Safari history.
Apple said that when communication apps misuse the permission, it can compromise the privacy of both the user and the people they talk to.
Why AI agents change the picture
AI agents are apps that can take actions on your computer for you, such as opening files, reading messages or filling in forms. To be useful, some ask for broad access. Apple’s warning was blunt: “As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially.”
TechCrunch reported that the announcement followed a September column by Inc.’s Jason Aten saying Meta’s Muse app had accessed his private messages.
What changes, and when
Apple says it will introduce additional controls that require “very explicit user action” before Full Disk Access can be granted, with clearer explanations of the risks. It has not said exactly when the changes arrive or what the new prompts will look like.
What you can do today
- On a Mac, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access to see which apps have it.
- Ask whether each app really needs it. Backup and some security tools do; most chat, note-taking or AI assistant apps probably don’t.
- Switch off access for anything you don’t recognize or no longer use. You can always turn it back on.
- Be cautious when a new AI tool asks for sweeping permissions during setup. Narrower access, such as to a single folder, is safer.
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