Apple will tighten the Full Disk Access permission in macOS over the risks of AI agents
On October 2, Apple announced on its developer website that it will add controls to Full Disk Access in macOS, the permission that lets an app sidestep most of the Mac's privacy controls. It exists so that backup apps can work properly.
According to Apple, some developers are using it in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems, including files, mail, messages and even browsing history, without users' full knowledge and understanding. For communication apps, Apple adds, this can also compromise the privacy of the people users are communicating with.
With the new controls, anyone who wants to give an app this level of access will only be able to do so with very explicit user action. Apple adds that addressing this is critical: as AI agents become more capable and autonomous, the risks of this level of access will grow substantially.
Apple has not said when these controls will arrive or in which version of macOS.
We see this as a good reminder for any small business that uses or is testing AI agents on its Macs: it is worth checking which apps have this permission today and removing it from those that do not need it.
