Apple is planning new privacy controls for Mac users, focusing on how third-party apps and AI agents access sensitive information stored on computers.
The company said users who want to give an app ‘Full Disk Access’ will need to take ‘very explicit user action’ before granting the permission. The setting can provide access to system files, mail, messages, and browsing history.
Apple said the change is necessary as AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous. These tools can act on behalf of users and often require access to files and applications to perform tasks.
The company did not name specific programs or developers. Still, it said some developers have been using Full Disk Access ‘in ways that could put users at risk’ without users having their ‘full knowledge and understanding’.
Apple also pointed to a wider privacy concern. When an application gets access to a user’s messages, that access can potentially expose information belonging to other people communicating with that user.
Apple said the risks associated with this level of access will ‘grow substantially’ as AI agents become more capable and autonomous.
AI agents have rapidly expanded their presence across computers and other devices. OpenAI said earlier this week that more than 35 million people use its agent tools, ChatGPT Work and Codex, up from 10 million in July.
Meta’s Muse also topped app store download charts last month after its debut.
These services can require users to provide broader access to personal files and applications so they can complete tasks on their behalf.
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In August, OpenAI introduced an opt-in feature for its ChatGPT Mac application that can read, summarise, write and send text messages on a user’s behalf.
The feature requires users to enable Full Disk Access so ChatGPT can obtain information from conversations in Apple’s Messages application.
Apple’s planned controls come as AI agents become more integrated with desktop software, putting greater emphasis on how much access users give these tools and whether they understand the privacy implications.
The company said its goal is to ensure users clearly understand the risks before granting access so that they can make informed decisions about their data and privacy.