Wondering why Messages might want to control computer running Big Sur

Hey again! Just a thought. Although a native app, do you ever use Messages to screen share with others? (That’s the only reason I can think of it showing there).

Likewise, if you right/Control click Messages there in Privacy > Accessibility > Show in Finder.......is it in fact the Messages app that appears? Some component of it, or something else entirely? I normally keep the Finder path are enabled at:

Finder > View > Show Path Bar.

Curious to see that location. Likewise, I suppose you can test on a new user account/safe boot, etc.

But also, if you do sign out of Messages in Messages > Preferences, does it remove itself from there? Just wondering if some other app requires messages for the accessibility feature etc. Maybe also removing the login items > Restarting and testing.

Sorry, wish I had more concrete data on that, but can’t seem to replicate this, so that’s what I’m thinking cheers!

I do not know how the apps listed there appear (or not). But, I do not allow any access to any app; if there is one with a checkmark by default, I disable it. Except for Accessibility (which would have to do with any problems you may have physically for instance or, say, hearing or speech impaired) there is no need as far as I have been able to determine. And, I do not know why I should give any app "control". Not going to happen here, LOL.

Hey Alan Klein1!

Good question. I don’t know why a native Apple program like Messages would need Accessibility permissions to begin with.

Can you say what this other app is that you granted permissions to when you noticed this?

Likewise, does this app have permissions enabled in the “Full Disk Access” column of the Accessibility pane of System Preferences?

I could be wrong, but do you happen to see a preferences pane in System Preferences called “Profiles”? And if so what is it?

One last question. Can you say what you have enabled in System Preferences > Users and Groups > Login Items?

Thanks, happy to lend a hand if I can. I’m not sure yet if this is expected in Big Sur or not, but wouldn’t think so, these third party apps may hold a clue.

Thanks for the details, that explains a few things to me: I do not use Dropbox, SoundSource, or Teamviewer. And I do not sync (for privacy reasons) anything, nor do I use iCloud for syncing or backup. So, except for CCC which does not need to run continuously, I have nothing that needs full access nor will I allow random apps to have it.

And, my login pane is empty (I deleted a few that were there long ago). None of those listed in yours need to run at bootup - it just uses resources unnecessarily.

Well, when you need to use OneDrive or whatever, you can simply launch it. I personally do not care to have apps run in the background when they are not needed. That has nothing to do with privacy, but more a "keep your OS running efficiently" thing. I don't have anything open, running, in the background, etc. unless I am actively using it. As an aside, I will never trust my information to any online server. I prefer my backups on numerous local hard drives.

As for Messages - I have no idea. I've never used it and haven't even set it up with my Apple ID, yet every time I log into my Mac, I have to dismiss a popup window to sign in (or cancel). It's annoying, but I can't get rid of it. And I refuse to sign into something I will never use.

With regard to keeping info on servers, I have a friend, a professor at CUNY, who prints out and then files hard copies of each and every email she sends and receives — and then deletes the original email! (Though, unless she's using POP, there's a copy on a server somewhere and also with the recipient.)

Ha, I'd say that is going a bit far, LOL. But then, that is another reason why I maintain a POP account..... Some of this makes it a bit less convenient, but then - I've got the time!

Aside from trying to protect my privacy, I just loathe being treated like a piece of merchandisable something or other and no, I will not allow you to make money with my information without my express consent.

Well said, agreed 100%.