Definition
macOS Full Disk Access (FDA) is a system-level privacy permission that allows apps to bypass standard sandbox controls and read files, mail, messages, and browsing history across the system. Originally designed for backup utilities.
Key Points
- 2026-10-02: apple announced stricter FDA controls citing AI agent misuse — users must grant access via “very explicit user action” (2026-10-02-apple-fda-ai-agents-techcrunch)
- muse and other desktop AI agents optionally request FDA plus app-specific connectors (e.g., Messages)
- FDA for communication apps can expose data of people the user communicates with
- No rollout date announced as of October 2026