Apple Tightens Mac Privacy Controls for AI Agents

Apple has announced plans to modify its Mac operating system to make it clearer when AI agents request access to all data on a Mac. The change comes as Apple aims to address concerns about user privacy and security, particularly with the growing capabilities of AI agents.

The company noted that Macs, unlike iPhones and iPads, allow apps to access all data through a feature called 'Full Disk Access.' This flexibility has led some developers to use the feature in ways that could expose users to risks. Apple plans to introduce new controls that will require users to take explicit action to grant such access.

The move follows a complaint from Jason Aten, an Inc. magazine columnist, who accused Meta’s AI agent Muse of reading his private messages without his explicit permission. Aten claimed he had not enabled Full Disk Access. Meta responded by stating that Muse can only read Messages if users enable both Full Disk Access and the Messages connector, and that users can revoke access at any time.

Apple’s latest quarterly report showed strong performance, with revenue up 16% to $109.4 billion and Mac revenue growing 29% to $10.4 billion. However, the company faces challenges, including supply constraints and rising memory costs, which are impacting margins. The market’s reaction to Apple’s privacy-focused changes will likely depend on whether these controls drive more Mac sales.