macOS Sequoia Enhances Security Permissions: Reauthorization Required for Screenshot or Screen Recording Tools After Every Restart

Apple is indeed more focused on privacy and security protection. The currently tested macOS Sequoia version reveals a new security policy Apple is preparing: permissions for third-party screenshot tools or screen recording tools will be reset every week and after every restart.

Initially, some developers thought the constant authorization prompts were a BUG, but it has now been confirmed as a new security policy, not a BUG. Except for Apple's own pre-installed applications, all third-party screenshot and recording tools are controlled by this new policy.

In summary, there are two main changes:

1. Permissions for screenshots or screen recordings will be reset after each system restart, requiring users to click to agree and reauthorize when they open it.
2. These permissions will be reset every week (i.e., every 7 days), requiring reauthorization even if users do not restart their system for more than a week.

This new security policy primarily targets screen recording tools and screenshot tools, including applications with screen-sharing capabilities like Zoom and Slack. Essentially, any application attempting to read the screen, audio, and camera will be controlled.

In the system prompt, Apple states:

"[An application] can access this computer's screen and audio. Do you want to continue to allow access? The application may collect information from any open applications on the desktop when it is running."

Why is Apple implementing this policy? The reason is simple: some malware may trick users into granting permission for screenshots, screen recording, or screen sharing, thus stealing information in the background for an extended period. Timely revocation of permissions helps make users aware of this situation to prevent data leaks.

It's also important to highlight that user authorization can only be granted to individual users, meaning when permission to continue access is granted, it's only for a single application. If other applications need to take screenshots or record the screen, the prompt will appear again, so users may frequently encounter such prompts.

This permission control will affect many applications, including various screenshot and screen recording tools, as well as screen-sharing tools like Zoom, which also require authorization. Regardless, users must authorize at least once a week to use them, and if the system is frequently restarted, authorization must be constantly given.

Of course, this is still a feature in the beta version, and it's uncertain if Apple will make improvements in the future. At the very least, extending the authorization time would be more convenient for users, as it could otherwise become quite bothersome.