ChatGPT seeks full disk access to your Mac and Messages
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| Source: Mastodon | Original article
ChatGPT is requesting full‑disk access on macOS, allowing it to scan Messages for insights, but it will only act after obtaining user consent.
OpenAI has rolled out a new plugin for the ChatGPT desktop client on Apple‑silicon Macs that lets the model read, search, summarise and even send messages through the native Messages app. The feature, available across all subscription tiers, is activated from the Plugins tab and works inside the Codex and ChatGPT Work environments. To function, it requires macOS’s “Full Disk Access” permission – one of the most expansive privacy grants on the platform, allowing the application to reach data beyond the Messages database.
The move signals a shift from passive AI assistance toward deeper integration with personal communication tools. By scanning iMessage, SMS and RCS chats, ChatGPT can extract insights, draft replies and automate outreach, a capability that could streamline workflows for power users and enterprises alike. However, the same permission also opens the door to broader data exposure, prompting immediate legal and security questions. OpenAI notes that the system “requires user consent before working,” but analysts warn that the consent flow may not fully convey the scope of access, and corporate legal teams are likely to scrutinise deployments in regulated environments.
Watchers should monitor how Apple responds to a third‑party service demanding Full Disk Access, especially given the company’s recent warnings about competitors seeking private data. Expect further guidance from privacy regulators and possible updates to macOS permission dialogs. OpenAI may also release more granular controls or an “eviction policy” for data retained by the plugin, echoing concerns raised in our earlier coverage of LLM resource management. The balance between convenience and privacy will determine whether the feature gains traction or meets resistance from users and enterprises alike.
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