As expected, it happened. Apple suddenly announced that it would tighten macOS app access authorization limits. The move follows allegations from many users that popular AI assistants, without the user’s knowledge, use full-disk access permissions to read large amounts of local private data.
In the past, on Apple’s Mac computers, if an AI app was granted full-disk access, it could obtain most of the local files.
Now Apple believes this risk is too high. If a person is unaware, clicks a one-tap “Agree” to grant authorization, and there are all sorts of locally stored account passwords and other sensitive information, it’s easy for things to go wrong.
So Apple plans to add additional controls. Going forward, to grant this permission, users will need to take very clear actions—so they understand the specific risks first before deciding whether to allow it.
In the past, on Apple’s Mac computers, if an AI app was granted full-disk access, it could obtain most of the local files.
Now Apple believes this risk is too high. If a person is unaware, clicks a one-tap “Agree” to grant authorization, and there are all sorts of locally stored account passwords and other sensitive information, it’s easy for things to go wrong.
So Apple plans to add additional controls. Going forward, to grant this permission, users will need to take very clear actions—so they understand the specific risks first before deciding whether to allow it.
