Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) plans to update macOS to notify users whenever AI agents attempt to access their system data. The move follows criticism over the use of AI agents, such as Meta Platforms Inc.’s (NASDAQ: META) Muse, which carries out complex tasks and has been accused of accessing private messages.
Tussle Between Ease and Privacy
On Friday, in a blog post on Friday, the iPhone maker said that it provides developers with APIs to create advanced app features while maintaining strict user privacy controls. However, the “Full Disk Access” permission largely bypasses these standard protections to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac.
The tech giant warned that some developers are using “Full Disk Access” in risky ways, potentially exposing highly sensitive personal information — such as files, emails, private messages and browsing histories — without the full knowledge and understanding of the user.
Apple noted that it plans to launch new security controls to ensure that granting this level of data access requires explicit action from the user. The company noted that fixing this issue is a critical priority.
“As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially,” said Apple.
Some users have criticized Meta’s Muse AI agent, alleging that the agent accessed private messages, Reuters reported. Technology columnist Jason Aten from Inc. magazine accused Meta’s Muse of accessing private messages on his Mac, noting that he had never turned on the “Full Disk Access” permission.
Last week, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone denied those claims, noting that the Muse AI agent can only access Apple’s Messages app if users explicitly choose to opt in.
Meta and Apple did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Muse a Challenger to Apple and Growth Driver for Meta?
Analysts at Bank of America Securities note 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, according to the analysts.
Earlier this week, CNBC host Jim Cramer said Meta must be viewed as an “enterprise company” after Muse was deployed. He noted that this operational shift could drive the Facebook parent’s stock valuation from an “18 times multiple” to “24-25.”
Separately, he also said that Wall Street could be overreacting to the potential threat of the Muse AI agent on consumer-focused industries.
Meanwhile, BNP Paribas analyst Nick Jones remains constructive on Meta, pointing to strong early downloads for Meta Muse while cautioning that habitual engagement and long-term monetization remain unproven.
Price Action: Shares of Apple closed about 1.02% up at $333.69 on Friday, while Meta’s stock closed 0.30% higher to $728.08, according to Benzinga Pro.
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