GoKawiilApple to restrict Full Disk Access on Mac after Meta Muse privacy concerns
Apple said it will add new controls around macOS's Full Disk Access permission following reports that Meta's Muse AI agent used that access to build detailed profiles of users' contacts, tracking relationships, locations and personal milestones on an hourly basis. Security researcher Karan Joshi reportedly found Muse was instructed to compile data such as where people live, recurring life events and significant dates for everyone in a user's life.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The episode highlights how broad macOS permissions, once granted, can be exploited to extract far more personal data than users likely expect, especially from an app connected to an advertising-driven company like Meta. Apple's response suggests it sees the current Full Disk Access model as too permissive, which could lead to tighter default restrictions or clearer warnings for similar apps in the future.
- Meta's Muse AI app reportedly used Full Disk Access to build hourly-updated profiles of users' contacts.
- Researcher Karan Joshi found instructions directing Muse to track relationships, locations and key dates.
- Apple says it will introduce additional controls around Full Disk Access on Mac in response.
Mac external SSD with hardware encryption — If you're rethinking which apps get Full Disk Access, it's a good moment to also secure sensitive files outside the reach of cloud-connected AI agents entirely. A hardware-encrypted external SSD lets you keep personal documents and backups offline and password-protected, away from apps scanning your Mac's contents.
See Mac external SSD with hardware encryption on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Ben Lovejoy, 2026-10-05
Published there as: “Full Disk Access on Mac: Here’s what Apple must, and must not, do”
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