Brave Local Search API provides enrichments for location search results. Access to this API is available only through the Brave Search API Pro plans; confirm the user's plan before using this tool (if the user does not have a Pro plan, use the brave_web_search tool). Searches for local businesses...
Risk signalsAccepts freeform code/query input (query) · High parameter count (15 properties)
Part of the Brave Search server.
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AI agents call brave_local_search to retrieve information from Brave Search without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.
Even though brave_local_search only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.
Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"brave_local_search": {}
}
}See the full Brave Search policy for all 6 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access brave_local_search gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Brave Local Search API provides enrichments for location search results. Access to this API is available only through the Brave Search API Pro plans; confirm the user's plan before using this tool (if the user does not have a Pro plan, use the brave_web_search tool). Searches for local businesses and places using Brave's Local Search API. Best for queries related to physical locations, businesses, restaurants, services, etc. Returns detailed information including: - Business names and addresses - Ratings and review counts - Phone numbers and opening hours Use this when the query implies 'near me', 'in my area', or mentions specific locations (e.g., 'in San Francisco'). This tool automatically falls back to brave_web_search if no local results are found.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Brave Search MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Brave Search MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for brave_local_search: 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 Brave Search. Nothing to install.
brave_local_search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the brave_local_search 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 brave_local_search. 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.
brave_local_search is provided by the Brave Search MCP server (brave/brave-search-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 6 Brave Search tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
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