Apple announced updates to Full Disk Access in macOS to introduce additional controls, ensuring users grant apps this level of access with explicit user action. This change aims to protect user privacy and data integrity.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail | The source says |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect user privacy and data integrity | “Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files,…” |
| Action Required | Explicit user action | “users who genuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access can only do so with very explicit user action.” |
| Future Risks | Increased risks with AI agents | “As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially.” |
What happened
Apple has announced updates to the Full Disk Access feature in macOS. The company states that some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing all system data without users' full knowledge and understanding. Apple plans to introduce additional controls to ensure that users grant apps this level of access only with very explicit user action. This move is critical as AI agents become more capable and autonomous, increasing the risks associated with this level of access. Apple is committed to ensuring users understand these risks before granting such access, allowing them to make informed decisions about their data and privacy.
What to weigh
- Additional controls will be introduced to ensure explicit user action.
- Users will need to understand the risks before granting access.
FAQ
What risks are associated with Full Disk Access?
Some developers are using Full Disk Access 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.
Why are these changes necessary?
As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially.
How will users be protected?
Apple plans to introduce additional controls to ensure that users grant apps this level of access only with very explicit user action.
Source: Apple
