Apple changes full-disk access permissions to curb abuse from AI agents

Apple has announced a change to macOS privacy settings that prevents third‑party apps from exploiting full‑disk access to read message history without explicit user permission. The move follows a complaint from technology columnist Jason Aten, who said Meta’s AI agent Muse had shown him an unsolicited notification referencing a conversation he had in Apple Messages with a colleague. Aten claimed he had never granted Muse permission to access his messages, sparking a wide social‑media debate about the risks of allowing AI assistants to reach sensitive data such as calendars, emails, or purchase accounts.

In response, Meta’s chief technology officer David Singleton explained that for Muse to read user messages, two permissions were required: full‑disk access, a system‑level authorization, and the activation of a specific Messages connector within the Muse app. With the new policy, Apple aims to make both permissions require clearer, more visible consent, reducing the chance of accidental activation.

This update is significant because it strengthens personal data protection in environments where AI assistants are increasingly integrated into everyday tasks, helping to prevent potential abuses and maintain user trust in their devices.

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