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Days after a journalist claimed that Meta\u2019s Muse app on Mac read their private messages \u2014 a claim that Meta disputed<\/a> \u2014 Apple announced that it\u2019s introducing additional controls around a setting called \u201cFull Disk Access\u201d on macOS. The feature was designed to allow backups to function properly, but AI agents have now increased \u201cthe risks associated with this level of access,\u201d Apple said.<\/p>\n Apple\u2019s statement comes shortly after Inc. columnist Jason Aten reported<\/a> that Muse knew the content of his private messages \u2014 even though he claimed to have not given the AI agent permission. The report raised questions about the level of security and trust users have in desktop-based AI, which can control things on their systems and read their files and messages.<\/p>\n The decision to limit the Mac feature also comes after a Wired report<\/a> cited that a flaw in ChatGPT\u2019s Mac app could have allowed hackers to access sensitive data.<\/p>\n AI agents that run on the desktop allow users to provide their respective apps with greater access to the files, messages, and other personal content on their computers by adjusting macOS settings. <\/p>\n In Muse\u2019s case, the AI optionally allows users to enable Full Disk Access. This setting, Apple explains, gives an app permission to access files, mail, messages, and even browsing history. <\/p>\n \u201cSome developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems\u2026without users\u2019 full knowledge and understanding,\u201d Apple said in a new blog post<\/a> aimed at developers.<\/p>\n The company says that, going forward, it will introduce new controls aimed at ensuring that users who \u201cgenuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access\u201d can do so only with \u201cvery explicit user action.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAddressing this is critical. As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially. We are committed to ensuring users clearly understand these risks before granting such access, so they can make informed decisions about their own data and privacy,\u201d Apple wrote. <\/p>\n Apple did not respond to TechCrunch\u2019s inquiry about the feature change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em><\/p>\n