Apple Inc.
Techniques for enabling a software application to access files at a computing device while enforcing privacy measures

Abstract:

This application relates to a technique that enables a software application to access files at a computing device while enforcing privacy measures. The technique includes a file browser that can act on behalf of a software application to communicate a user file selection to a relevant file access service. While operating in a sandboxed mode, the file browser can communicate the user file selection while the software application is unaware of the file browser's activities. The file browser can display a set of files that are available for user selection using an enumeration logic that is distinct from an enumeration logic implemented by either the software application or the relevant file access service. When a user file selection is detected, the file browser can assist the software application in receiving a secure URL to enable the software application to directly-access the file associated with the user file selection.