Just a few days after a journalist claimed that the Muse Mac app of Meta had read his private information, and Meta disputed this claim, Apple announced that it would introduce additional controls regarding a setting on macOS named “Full Disk Access”. Apple stated that this feature was originally intended to ensure the proper functioning of backups, but now AI proxies have added “risks associated with this level of access”.

Not long before Apple made the above statement, Inc columnist Jason Aten reported that Muse was aware of content related to his private information – despite him claiming not to have granted any authorization to this AI agent. This report sparked doubts about the security and reliability of desktop AI among the public, as such software can control operations on users' systems and read files and information.

The decision to restrict the Mac feature also came after a report titled “Wired”. The report cited that there was a vulnerability in the Mac application of ChatGPT, which could potentially allow hackers to access sensitive data.

The AI proxy running on the desktop allows users to grant their respective applications higher access rights to files, information, and other personal content on the computer by adjusting the macOS settings.

As for Muse, this AI allows users to selectively enable Full Disk Access. Apple explains that this setting grants the app permission to access files, emails, messages, and even browsing history.

Apple stated in a new blog post for developers: "Some developers are using Full Disk Access in a way that may put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems without the users being fully informed and understanding..."

The company stated that in the future, new control measures will be introduced to ensure that only users who "truly wish to grant such extraordinary access levels to applications" can do so through "very explicit user actions."

Apple writes, "It is crucial to address this issue. As AI proxies become more powerful and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will increase significantly. We are committed to ensuring that users are fully aware of these risks before granting such access rights, so that they can make informed decisions regarding their data and privacy."

Apple has not responded to inquiries regarding this functional change. TechCrunch