Overview
- Apple posted a developer notice saying it will add new controls so apps can obtain Full Disk Access only through very explicit user action.
- Full Disk Access is a macOS permission that lets an app bypass normal privacy controls so backup and utility apps can read files, mail, messages, and browsing history.
- Apple warned some developers are using that broad permission in ways that could expose users’ private data and said the risk grows as always-on AI agents become more capable.
- Meta pushed back on a recent report about its Muse agent reading Messages, saying access to Messages requires users to enable both Full Disk Access and a separate Messages connector.
- Apple did not give a timeline for the changes, and the new controls could force developers to change how they request permissions and could limit some always-on AI behaviors until the controls arrive.