Apple says it’s tightening macOS ‘Full Disk Access’ controls due to new risks from AI agents

Days aft a writer claimed that Meta’s Muse app connected Mac work their backstage messages — a claim that Meta disputed — Apple announced that it’s introducing further controls astir a mounting called “Full Disk Access” connected macOS. The diagnostic was designed to let backups to relation properly, but AI agents person present accrued “the risks associated with this level of access,” Apple said.

Apple’s connection comes soon aft Inc. columnist Jason Aten reported that Muse knew the contented of his backstage messages — adjacent though helium claimed to person not fixed the AI cause permission. The study raised questions astir the level of information and spot users person successful desktop-based AI, which tin power things connected their systems and work their files and messages.

The determination to bounds the Mac diagnostic besides comes aft a Wired report cited that a flaw successful ChatGPT’s Mac app could person allowed hackers to entree delicate data.

AI agents that tally connected the desktop let users to supply their respective apps with greater entree to the files, messages, and different idiosyncratic contented connected their computers by adjusting macOS settings.

In Muse’s case, the AI optionally allows users to alteration Full Disk Access. This setting, Apple explains, gives an app support to entree files, mail, messages, and adjacent browsing history.

“Some developers are utilizing Full Disk Access successful ways that could enactment users astatine risk, exposing everything connected their systems… without users’ afloat cognition and understanding,” Apple said in a caller blog post aimed astatine developers.

The institution says that, going forward, it volition present caller controls aimed astatine ensuring that users who “genuinely privation to assistance an app this bonzer level of access” tin bash truthful lone with “very explicit idiosyncratic action.”

“Addressing this is critical. As AI agents go progressively susceptible and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of entree volition turn substantially. We are committed to ensuring users intelligibly recognize these risks earlier granting specified access, truthful they tin marque informed decisions astir their ain information and privacy,” Apple wrote.

Apple did not respond to TechCrunch’s enquiry astir the diagnostic change.