Apple restricts disk access for AI agents over privacy concerns
Apple is changing macOS privacy settings to prevent third-party apps from misusing full-disk access to read message histories.
Apple announced Friday it is modifying its macOS privacy settings to curb the misuse of permissions by third-party applications, specifically regarding access to message histories.
The change follows reports that Meta's AI agent, Muse, referenced a private message conversation without apparent user authorization. This incident prompted wider concerns about the potential privacy risks associated with AI assistants granted extensive access to user data, including emails, messages, and calendars.
Meta has stated that Muse requires explicit user consent for such access, involving both system-level full-disk access and specific message connector settings within the app.
Apple's forthcoming adjustments aim to ensure that applications obtain and utilize these sensitive permissions more responsibly, thereby enhancing user data protection.