Apple is changing macOS Full Disk Access after warning that some developers are using the permission in ways that can expose users’ files, emails, messages, and browsing history without users fully understanding what they are granting.
The company said it will introduce additional controls so apps can only receive this level of access through more explicit user action. Apple said the issue is becoming more important as AI agents become more capable and autonomous.
Meta Muse Incident Raised Questions
Apple’s announcement comes shortly after tech columnist Jason Aten said Meta’s Muse AI agent sent him an unsolicited notification based on a private Apple Messages conversation.
Aten said he had not knowingly permitted Muse to read his messages.
Meta CTO David Singleton disputed the idea that Muse could access Messages without the user enabling the required settings. He said the Messages integration is opt-in and requires both Full Disk Access and the Muse Messages connector to be enabled.
Apple Says Full Disk Access Can Expose Messages
Apple did not mention Meta or Muse by name.
However, Apple said Full Disk Access can allow apps to see sensitive information, including messages, mail, files, and browsing history.
Security researcher Patrick Wardle also argued that apps with Full Disk Access can technically read most non-root files on a Mac, including chats, browser cookies, and browsing data.
Muse Has Faced Other Security Concerns
Apple’s announcement also follows the disclosure of a Muse vulnerability that could allow locally running apps or commands to take control of the AI assistant and use its existing privileges.
Meta later released a fix for the issue.
The incidents highlight the privacy and security risks created when AI agents receive broad access to personal data and system-level permissions.
Apple has not yet detailed exactly how the new Full Disk Access controls will work or when they will be introduced.
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