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App Would Like to Control This Computer?

Occasionally I get a message like this one, as I'm using an app: App would like to control this computer using accessibility features. Grant access to this application in Security and Privacy preferences located in System Preferences. I just moved up to Catalina yesterday from Sierra.


Would I want to do this? It sounds dangerous. I denied it, but I guess I can change my mind later.

Posted on Sep 17, 2020 11:44 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 17, 2020 4:49 PM

Hello!


You should be concerned based on the app that you are using. If the app is one that comes from a reputable company or a developer that you trust then you can grant the app permission. You must aware that depending on what is the apps purpose enabling or disabling certain permissions may cause issues for the app in terms of functionality. Check out the links below for some background information and tips about privacy on your Mac:


Allow accessibility apps to access your Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/allow-accessibility-apps-to-access-your-mac-mh43185/mac


Guard your privacy on Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/guard-your-privacy-mh35847/10.15/mac/10.15


Change Privacy preferences on Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-privacy-preferences-on-mac-mh32356/10.15/mac/10.15


Let me know if this helps!

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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 17, 2020 4:49 PM in response to Stephen Souza1

Hello!


You should be concerned based on the app that you are using. If the app is one that comes from a reputable company or a developer that you trust then you can grant the app permission. You must aware that depending on what is the apps purpose enabling or disabling certain permissions may cause issues for the app in terms of functionality. Check out the links below for some background information and tips about privacy on your Mac:


Allow accessibility apps to access your Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/allow-accessibility-apps-to-access-your-mac-mh43185/mac


Guard your privacy on Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/guard-your-privacy-mh35847/10.15/mac/10.15


Change Privacy preferences on Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-privacy-preferences-on-mac-mh32356/10.15/mac/10.15


Let me know if this helps!

Sep 18, 2020 1:25 AM in response to Stephen Souza1

As hacking in the internet era is very common anytime you install an application that need to access parts of the Mac or install certain softwares in order to run there you sometimes need to grant the access personally in order to prevent the aforementioned hacking temptatives. It's boring (especially for who like me do install many sw for tests) but nowadays it's a very important feature.

App Would Like to Control This Computer?

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