Apple to alert Mac users when AI agents access data
- Apple plans macOS updates to notify users when AI agents access system data via Full Disk Access
- The move follows allegations that Meta's Muse agent accessed private messages without consent
- Bank of America analysts warn Muse could reduce Apple's referral and transaction revenue
- Apple shares closed up 1.02% at $333.69, while Meta shares rose 0.30% to $728.08
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Apple Inc. plans to update macOS to notify users whenever AI agents attempt to access their system data. This move addresses growing criticism over tools like Meta Platforms Inc.'s Muse, which have been accused of accessing private messages without explicit user awareness.
Privacy controls and full disk access
In a blog post released on Friday, Apple stated that while it provides developers with APIs for advanced app features, the "Full Disk Access" permission largely bypasses standard privacy protections to allow backup apps to function. The company warned that some developers use this permission in risky ways, potentially exposing sensitive personal information such as files, emails, private messages and browsing histories without the user's full knowledge.
Apple noted that granting this level of data access will require explicit action from the user under the new security controls. The company described fixing this issue as a critical priority.
"As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially," Apple said in the statement.
Meta's Muse faces scrutiny
The announcement follows allegations by technology columnist Jason Aten that Meta's Muse AI agent accessed private messages on his Mac, despite him never enabling the "Full Disk Access" permission. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone denied these claims last week, stating that the Muse AI agent can only access Apple's Messages app if users explicitly choose to opt in.
Market reaction and analyst views
Analysts at Bank of America Securities noted that Muse has found Apple's weak spot. By steering where users shop, book travel or make payments, Muse risks stripping Apple of valuable discovery, referral and transaction revenue, even as iPhone sales remain robust.
Jim Cramer, host of CNBC, suggested that Meta must be viewed as an "enterprise company" after deploying Muse. He noted that this operational shift could drive the Facebook parent's stock valuation from an "18 times multiple" to "24-25." Separately, Cramer stated that Wall Street may be overreacting to the potential threat of the Muse AI agent on consumer-focused industries.
BNP Paribas analyst Nick Jones remains constructive on Meta, pointing to strong early downloads for Meta Muse but cautioning that habitual engagement and long-term monetization remain unproven.
| Company | Closing Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Inc. | $333.69 | +1.02% |
| Meta Platforms Inc. | $728.08 | +0.30% |
What the numbers show
The divergence in market reaction highlights differing investor priorities. While Apple shares rose 1.02%, likely reflecting confidence in its ability to maintain its privacy-first brand moat against emerging AI threats, Meta shares gained only 0.30%. This muted response suggests investors are weighing the potential revenue risks identified by Bank of America analysts against the strong early download metrics cited by BNP Paribas, indicating a cautious stance on the immediate monetization impact of Muse.
How might Apple's new macOS privacy controls impact the adoption rates and feature capabilities of third-party AI agents beyond Meta's Muse?
Will Meta adjust its Muse monetization strategy to bypass Apple's new restrictions, or seek alternative distribution channels to preserve referral revenue?
Could regulatory bodies in the EU or US introduce stricter compliance requirements for AI agents accessing local system data in response to this controversy?
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