Are there plans to ever improve the error-prone, moody TCC?

Download and run EtreCheck, and share the results to the clipboard. Then open a new reply here, and use the additional text button—looks like a printed page—to get a text input box big enough to paste the hardware and software configuration report here, and paste and post that report here.

I’ve encountered reports of very few folks with their settings getting blown away. That’d be a ruckus around here, and likely also in the Apple echo chamber and Apple blogosphere. On poking around, I’ve found another report, where files and documents are getting reset or corrupted, and in unclear circumstances. That report alleges Big Sur, but I’d not initially assume that given what was presented.

Suspects here are the usual; one or more of the add-ons doing something odd. Whether old versions, bugs, adware, or otherwise? Hopefully, the EtreCheck report will show more of what might be happening. (As for third-party apps getting into trouble, Avast was recently and erroneously trying to render Mac unbootable, and getting blocked in that effort by macOS anti-malware, though Avast have reportedly now fixed that.)

You’ll want to have a look at the TCC contents. AFAIK, EtreCheck doesn’t look there.

My reply wasn’t a question because I have the choice of topics to read and reply here, as do the other users and other third-party developers that might choose to post here. I can unfollow and go read from the many other requests for assistance. Your problem here is interesting, as it is an unusual issue. That is why I’m still reading and replying.

etresoft wrote:

...My recommendation at the time was to erase the hard drive and reinstall the operating system...

Ah, thanks for that background, etresoft.

Good suggestion that reinstall (without restore), particularly if things are going weird and corruptions are being encountered, or have been encountered.

Longstanding or systemic file system corruptions (irrespective of the source) are usually only fixed with a reinstall, and that a reinstall with a merge of files and documents. Not a full restore. Corruptions that have gotten into preferences (and TCC?) and ilk get ugly to resolve, and a restore of a backup can restore the corruptions.

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

I am unaware of any "snarky reply" other than your own. I searched your posting history and I haven't interacted with you on the Apple Support Community before.

However, one of your posts referenced an e-mail regarding a crash in EtreCheck. Since you have chosen to refer to that private e-mail exchange in unflattering and untruthful terms, I shall take the liberty to provide some context from it.

In 2020, you were having a very unusual problem with low-level file system operations returning unexpected NULL characters in file names from system folders. That seems to have been the result of a failed system upgrade and perhaps from disabling System Integrity Protection. My recommendation at the time was to erase the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. I don't know if you ever did that. My advice has not changed.

There are many sub-categories in the system privacy settings. A single list of apps doesn't have any meaning. I haven't heard of Finder ever needing extra permissions. I suggest you take this one step at a time. If you have a specific app that is losing permissions, start a new question focusing on that app. If you have an app like Finder that appears to need unusual permissions, then remove those permissions and start a new question describing what is going wrong with that specific app. It would be better to focus on Apple apps as everyone has those and can compare their own experiences or try things themselves. I recommend that you do not start by complaining about what you assume is the cause. I also recommend that you do not reference any previous interactions as that may discourage further assistance.

Of course, this is all assuming that you had done a factory-fresh restore at some point and kept System Integrity Protection enabled. If you haven't, then that should be your first course of action. Chances are, you won't need any further assistance after that.

Can you describe exactly what problem you are experiencing? Most users have never heard of TCC. Only a handful of developers ever need to use it. The fact that you are discussing it means that either you, or the developers of some software you are using, are doing something very, very wrong. The latter is most likely. It is very fashionable for 3rd party developers to blame Apple for their own incompetence.

junitoprmodel wrote:

What’s unclear in the first two paragraphs? Previously granted, permissions disappearing randomly on boot-up is indicative of the operator’s incompetence? Interesting. Can you recommend any support material on the best way to press the power button?

Use the Support link in the upper right and discuss this with Apple, as it’s pretty clear you are unable or unwilling to describe the issue, or seemingly seek a resolution here. That’s entirely your decision, of course.

While a reply or two here may possibly not be entirely diplomatically phrased, your description of whatever is (or is not) happening here involving TCC is unclear to (at least) me.

And yes, these cases can be due to something very weird happening locally. Whether this due to odd sequences being used locally, due to a corruption, or due to errant behaviors of installed apps, or otherwise?

Contact Apple.

junitoprmodel wrote:

What’s unclear in the first two paragraphs?

Details of the specific problem you are experiencing.

As I said, most users have never heard of TCC. Why are you talking about it? My concern is that you are suffering from shady 3rd party developers and/or internet misinformation.

Previously granted, permissions disappearing randomly on boot-up is indicative of the operator’s incompetence?

As I said, whatever problem you are experiencing is most likely due to a fault in some 3rd party software. It is quite common for inexperienced developers to struggle and blame Apple. They aren't going to blame themselves. They know that end users will generally accept a "blame Apple" explanation, so that's what they run with.

If the unfortunate developer in question is actually yourself, then I recommend opening a DTS ticket with Apple to get more in-depth support on these topics.

There’s been some malware around that seeks to mess with the Transparency, Consent, and Control com.apple.TCC data. And of course, there are some buggy or sketchy apps around, too.

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