Apple plans stronger Mac controls for Full Disk Access

Apple plans to add safeguards to macOS Full Disk Access, requiring users to take more explicit action before granting apps broad access to data on their Macs, the company said Friday. Apple did not provide technical details or a date for the changes. Full Disk Access allows an app to reach data that other privacy controls would otherwise restrict. Apple said the permission supports functions such as backup software, but warned that it can expose files, email, messages and browsing history. Access through communication apps could also affect the privacy of people whose information appears in conversations with the user, Apple said. The planned controls are intended to make the consequences of granting this permission clearer and ensure that access is given through explicit user action. Apple said increasingly capable and autonomous AI agents heighten the risks associated with broad access. The company did not say whether the changes will apply only to AI agents or to all apps seeking Full Disk Access. The announcement comes as desktop AI agents seek access to information stored on users’ computers to carry out tasks. A recent account by Inc.