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Privacy tightens further

Updates to Full Disk Access in macOS

Apple is clamping down on Full Disk Access permissions in macOS, introducing stricter controls to prevent developers from exploiting a critical privacy loophole that lets them harvest sensitive user data.
Gray rounded square icon with a white hard drive symbol featuring five vertical lines.
Gray rounded square icon with a white hard drive symbol featuring five vertical lines.

Apple said it will introduce additional controls to Full Disk Access, citing concerns that some developers are using the permission in ways that could put users at risk.

Full Disk Access largely sidesteps Apple's privacy controls to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac. However, some developers are using it to access everything on users' systems—including files, mail, messages, and browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding. For communication apps, this access can also compromise the privacy of people users are communicating with.

Going forward, Apple will require users to take explicit action to grant Full Disk Access, ensuring they clearly understand the risks before granting such access. The company said the change is particularly urgent as AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, noting that the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially.

Jennifer friend

The greatest technological advancement is our ability to be truly present where life happens – Jenny F.