Meta Disputes Claims That Muse AI Accessed Private Messages Without Permission

Meta is disputing claims that its Muse AI agent accessed a user’s private messages without permission, saying the feature requires users to manually enable specific permissions before the AI can read Messages content.

The dispute follows a report from journalist Jason Aten, who claimed that Muse accessed his private messages despite not intentionally granting access. Meta says the app’s Messages integration is entirely opt-in and cannot access messages without user approval.

Meta Responds to Muse AI Privacy Claims

Meta VP of Communications Andy Stone responded to the claims on X, saying users must enable both Full Disk Access and the Messages connector for Muse to access Messages content.

Stone said the app cannot read Messages unless users complete those permission steps. A separate explanation from Meta Superintelligence Labs executive David Singleton said the process involves multiple application-level permissions and macOS security protections.

According to Singleton, users must manually grant Full Disk Access, select the level of Messages access, and confirm the action through macOS settings before Muse can access message content.

Disagreement Over What Happened

Aten’s report claimed that Muse accessed his messages while Full Disk Access was disabled. He said Muse explained the behaviour by referring to synced “device notifications,” suggesting the AI may have processed text from incoming Mac notifications.

Meta disputed that explanation, saying the AI provided an incorrect response and pointing users to its Muse security architecture and bug bounty information.

The original claims were detailed in a report by Inc. journalist Jason Aten, while Andy Stone shared Meta’s response.

Broader Privacy Questions Around AI Agents

The discussion comes as AI agents gain access to more personal information and connected services, increasing concerns around permissions, privacy, and user control.

Meta has also faced broader scrutiny over its handling of consumer data. A recent legal case related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal resulted in a jury finding against the company over claims related to consumer data practices.

Separately, another user reported that Muse mishandled a Facebook Marketplace task, allegedly sharing personal address information. Matt Robb discussed it, and Business Insider reported it

Meta has said it is reviewing such reports, while the company continues developing AI agents that interact with users’ personal data and digital services.