7 hrs ago
Apple Plans Stricter Mac Privacy Controls Amid AI Agent Risks
Apple plans to add more safeguards before Mac apps can get Full Disk Access.
This permission can let an app reach system files, email, messages and browsing history.
Apple says people should clearly understand what they are allowing before they approve it.
The company says some developers have used the permission in ways that could put users at risk.
Access to messages may also reveal private information about the people who wrote them.
Apple is particularly concerned as AI agents become more capable and can act for users with little supervision.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Mac app has an optional feature that can read, summarize, write and send text messages.
That feature needs Full Disk Access to retrieve information from Apple’s Messages app.
Apple did not name a specific app or developer in its warning.
Apple plans additional controls before Mac apps receive Full Disk Access.
The permission can expose system files, mail, messages and browsing history.
Apple says users should take “very explicit” action and understand the risks before granting access.
The company warns broad access could put users and their correspondents’ privacy at risk, especially as AI agents grow more capable.
OpenAI’s optional ChatGPT Mac feature can read, summarize, compose and send messages, and requires Full Disk Access.
- Who
- Apple, Mac users, third-party app developers and makers of AI agents.
- What
- Apple plans additional controls for apps seeking Full Disk Access.
- Where
- On Mac computers.
- When
- Apple announced the plan in a statement Friday; no rollout date is given.
- Why
- Apple says broad access can put users’ data and privacy at risk, with those risks increasing as AI agents become more capable and autonomous.
Privacy safeguards
App functionality
Granting broad access
Privacy safeguards
Apple says users should understand the risks and explicitly approve Full Disk Access, which can expose sensitive data.
App functionality
AI agents and other apps may need broad access to personal files and applications to perform tasks as intended.
Message access
Privacy safeguards
Apple warns that access to a user’s complete message history could expose information belonging to other people in those conversations.
App functionality
OpenAI’s optional ChatGPT Mac feature uses Full Disk Access to retrieve conversation information so it can read, summarize, compose and send messages.
Key facts
- Planned change
- Additional privacy controls for granting Full Disk Access
- Permission scope
- Can include system files, mail, messages and browsing history
- Approval standard
- Apple says users will need to take “very explicit” action
- AI agent users
- OpenAI said more than 35 million people use ChatGPT Work and Codex, up from 10 million in July
- ChatGPT Mac feature
- An opt-in feature can read, summarize, compose and send text messages; it requires Full Disk Access
- Announcement timing
- Apple made its statement Friday; no specific introduction date was provided
Quotes
Apple
Technology company that makes the Mac and announced the planned privacy controls.
“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.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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