read_text_file
Read complete contents of a file as text
Part of the Filesystem MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.
WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL
AI agents call read_text_file to retrieve information from Filesystem 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.
WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON READ_TEXT_FILE
Even though read_text_file 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.
RECOMMENDED POLICY
Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.
tools:
read_text_file:
rules:
- action: allowSee the full Filesystem policy for all 12 tools.
DETAILS
MORE FILESYSTEM TOOLS
get_file_info Read list_allowed_directories Read list_directory Read read_media_file Read read_multiple_files Read search_files Read create_directory Write edit_file Write SIMILAR READ TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS
list_bases Airtable list_tables Airtable list_records Airtable get_record Airtable search_records Airtable search Amplitude RELATED READING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the read_text_file tool do?
Read complete contents of a file as text. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Filesystem MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
How do I enforce a policy on read_text_file?
Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for read_text_file. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Filesystem MCP server.
What risk level is read_text_file?
read_text_file is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Can I rate-limit read_text_file?
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the read_text_file rule in your Intercept 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.
How do I block read_text_file completely?
Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for read_text_file. 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.
What MCP server provides read_text_file?
read_text_file is provided by the Filesystem MCP server (modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
ENFORCE POLICIES ON FILESYSTEM
Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.