Mac privacy permissions, explained

Camera access lets an app take photos and video with your Mac's built-in camera or a connected webcam.

Microphone access allows an app to capture audio through your Mac's built-in microphone or any connected external microphone.

Screen Recording lets an app capture what's on your screen, including other apps' windows, documents and messages, not just its own window.

Apple describes Full Disk Access as access to all files on your Mac, including data from other apps (for example Mail, Messages, Safari and Home), data from Time Machine backups, and certain administrative settings for all users.

Accessibility access lets an app control your Mac: read the interface of other apps, click buttons, type, and move windows.

Input Monitoring lets an app watch your keyboard, mouse and trackpad even while another app is in front.

Location Services lets apps, system services and websites use your Mac's current location, which the Mac works out from nearby Wi-Fi networks.

Contacts permission gives an app access to your address book: names, phone numbers, email and street addresses, birthdays and notes for everyone in it.

Calendars permission gives an app access to your events: titles, times, locations, attendees and notes.

Photos permission gives an app access to your Photos library: pictures, videos and their details, such as when and where each was taken.

Since macOS 10.15, apps need your consent before they open files in Documents, Downloads, Desktop, iCloud Drive and network volumes.

Automation lets one app control another through Apple events, which is what AppleScript uses.

Apple describes Developer Tools as allowing apps to run software that doesn't meet the system's security policy.

Bluetooth permission lets an app use Bluetooth on your Mac to find and talk to nearby devices: mice, keyboards, headphones, fitness trackers and smart-home gear.