(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – Technology giant Apple has raised concerns over the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) agents, warning that autonomous systems could perform unauthorized actions, compromise sensitive information and expose the company to legal and reputational consequences.
In its annual filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Tuesday, Apple disclosed that AI-powered agents could independently execute or modify software code, send messages and conduct transactions without direct human intervention.
The company warned that these systems could interact with internal or external computer networks without obtaining the necessary authorization.
The agents “may behave in unintended or unpredictable ways, including by taking actions that were not directed, instructed or authorized,” Apple said in the filing.
Apple also acknowledged that its ability to supervise and control AI agents developed by third-party companies could be limited, potentially increasing security vulnerabilities and operational risks.
The warning followed Apple’s announcement in October of stricter controls on full disk access permissions for Mac computers, which determine whether applications can access extensive amounts of stored user data.
Privacy and security remain priorities
The disclosure came a day after Apple CEO John Ternus discussed the company’s plans to expand the capabilities of Siri, its AI-powered digital assistant, during an earnings call with analysts.
Ternus said Apple sees opportunities for Siri to perform more complex tasks on behalf of users but stressed that stronger safeguards are necessary to protect personal information.
“We want to make sure this is done in a way that protects security and privacy,” Ternus said.
He emphasized that smartphones contain highly sensitive information, including personal contacts, private messages, health records and financial details.
According to Ternus, Apple aims to allow Siri to retrieve and process information stored on users’ devices while maintaining privacy protections that prevent the company itself from accessing such data.
The approach reflects Apple’s broader effort to expand AI capabilities without compromising its existing security and privacy standards.
Growing regulatory and legal concerns
Beyond cybersecurity threats, Apple warned that evolving laws and regulations governing artificial intelligence could increase compliance expenses and create additional legal challenges.
The company also identified growing public concerns over the safety of autonomous AI systems, particularly their potential to cause unintended harm.
As AI agents become increasingly capable of performing tasks independently, Apple said unpredictable behavior and unauthorized activities could expose technology companies to lawsuits, financial losses and reputational damage.
The disclosure highlights the challenges facing major technology companies as they integrate more advanced autonomous AI features into consumer devices and digital services while attempting to maintain user trust and regulatory compliance.
