Following a journalist's report alleging that Meta’s Muse app on Mac accessed private messages—a claim that Meta disputed—Apple announced that it is introducing additional controls around a setting called “Full Disk Access” on macOS. The feature was designed to allow backups to function properly, but Apple noted that AI agents have now increased “the risks associated with this level of access.”
This announcement comes shortly after Inc. columnist Jason Aten reported that Muse knew the content of his private messages, 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.
The decision to limit the Mac feature also follows a Wired report citing a flaw in ChatGPT’s Mac app that could have allowed hackers to access sensitive data. 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.
In Muse’s case, the AI optionally allows users to enable Full Disk Access. Apple explains in a new blog post aimed at developers that this setting gives an app permission to access files, mail, messages, and even browsing history. “Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems… without users’ full knowledge and understanding,” Apple stated.
The company says that, going forward, it will introduce new controls aimed at ensuring that users who “genuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access” can do so only with “very explicit user action.” “Addressing 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,” Apple wrote.
Apple did not respond to TechCrunch’s inquiry about the feature change.
The Editorial Staff at AIChief is a team of professional content writers with extensive experience in AI and marketing. Founded in 2025, AIChief has quickly grown into the largest free AI resource hub in the industry.