Apple has announced it will introduce additional controls for the "Full Disk Access" setting on macOS to mitigate increasing risks posed by autonomous AI agents. Full Disk Access is a feature designed to allow backup applications to function properly by bypassing certain privacy controls to access files, mail, messages, and browsing history.
Apple to require explicit user consent for macOS Full Disk Access to mitigate AI agent risks
In a blog post aimed at developers, Apple stated that some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk by exposing entire systems—including files, mail, messages, and browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding. The company noted that as AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially.
The decision follows reports concerning the security of desktop-based AI, including claims that Meta’s Muse app could read private messages and reports of a flaw in the ChatGPT Mac app that could allow access to sensitive data. Apple intends to implement new controls to ensure that users who wish to grant this extraordinary level of access can do so only through very explicit user action, helping them make informed decisions regarding their data and privacy.
Sources
- Apple says it’s tightening macOS ‘Full Disk Access’ controls due to new risks from AI agents （TechCrunch AI, 2026-10-02）
- Apple
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- Apple will limit Mac disk access as AI agents ‘substantially’ increase risk （The Verge AI, 2026-10-02）
- Apple Inc.