New Delhi, October 3 (Daily Kiran) : Apple has announced plans to enhance privacy controls on its Mac computers by tightening restrictions on full disk access. This decision comes in response to growing concerns regarding AI agent apps, such as Meta’s ‘Muze,’ which have been accused of accessing users’ private data.
Reports indicate that when some AI agent apps are granted full disk access, they can read a significant amount of local data, including messages and files. This access was originally intended for backup and system utility purposes.
To address these concerns, Apple stated it will introduce clearer prompts, requiring users to make informed decisions before granting such extensive permissions to any app. Users will be explicitly asked if they want to allow a third-party app to access specific areas of their system.
In its statement, Apple emphasized, “We provide developers with powerful APIs to create amazing capabilities for apps on Apple products, backed by controls designed to protect users’ private data. Full disk access largely bypasses these controls, allowing backup apps to function properly on Macs.”
The company noted that some developers are misusing full disk access in ways that could jeopardize user security, exposing everything on their systems without full user awareness and understanding. This could also endanger the privacy of individuals with whom users communicate through communication apps.
As AI agents become more capable and autonomous, Apple warned that the risks associated with full disk access are likely to increase significantly. The company is committed to ensuring that users understand these risks before granting such permissions, allowing them to make informed choices about their data and privacy.
Notably, Meta’s Muze AI agent recently surpassed five million downloads. Users have reported that while it can perform complex tasks like canceling unused subscriptions, it also accesses private messages without consent.
In related news, Apple has recently launched Apple Pay in India, further strengthening its ecosystem in the region.
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