Apple Tightens Mac Privacy Controls to Counter Aggressive AI Agents

Apple has announced plans to modify its Mac operating system to better protect users from aggressive AI agents. The company aims to make it clearer when AI applications request access to all data on a Mac. Currently, Macs allow more flexibility than iPhones and iPads, with a feature called “Full Disk Access” that lets certain apps view everything on a device with user permission. Apple stated that some developers are using this feature in risky ways, prompting the need for stricter controls.

The update 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. Meta responded that Muse can only access messages if users enable both Full Disk Access and the Messages connector. Apple declined to comment further, while Meta did not immediately respond to requests for additional commentary.

Analysts view this move as part of Apple’s long-standing focus on user privacy, positioning the Mac as a safer platform for AI tools. The company reported strong financials in its latest quarter, with revenue up 16% to $109.4 billion and Mac revenue growing 29% to $10.4 billion. However, Apple stock faces challenges, including supply constraints and rising memory costs, which are squeezing margins.

For investors, the Mac update signals Apple’s commitment to leading in AI safety. The market reaction will likely depend on whether these privacy enhancements drive more Mac sales. Currently, investors are more concerned with supply and cost issues than policy changes.