deleteFile
Moves a file or folder to the trash, or permanently deletes it. Set permanent=true for irreversible deletion.
This record as markdown: /tools/a-bonus-google-docs-mcp/deletefile.md
What deleteFile does on Claude MCP x Google Docs
AI agents call deleteFile to permanently remove resources in Claude MCP x Google Docs, typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
Why deleteFile is rated Critical
This tool performs irreversible deletion of files or folders. Even though trash can sometimes be recovered, the permanent=true option explicitly enables irreversible destruction of data. This fits the Destructive category definition: 'irreversibly deletes or overwrites data, or actions that cannot be undone'.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'permanently deletes it' and 'Set permanent=true for irreversible deletion'. The name 'deleteFile' combined with the ability to move to trash or permanently remove files indicates irreversible data destruction.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs deleteFile safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Claude MCP x Google Docs, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For deleteFile, this is the rule to start with:
deleteFile is removed from the agent's tool list entirely, so the agent never calls it. The rest of the server keeps working.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Claude MCP x Google Docs, apply this rule, and every deleteFile call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about deleteFile
Moves a file or folder to the trash, or permanently deletes it. Set permanent=true for irreversible deletion. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Claude MCP x Google Docs MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Claude MCP x Google Docs MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for deleteFile: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Claude MCP x Google Docs. Nothing to install.
deleteFile is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the deleteFile rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for deleteFile. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
deleteFile is provided by the Claude MCP x Google Docs MCP server (a-bonus/google-docs-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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