// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

start_research

Start AI-powered research on a topic

Triggers automated web research

Part of the Frase SEO MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke start_research to trigger processes or run actions in Frase SEO. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON START_RESEARCH

start_research can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

frase-seo.yaml

tools:
  start_research:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Frase SEO policy for all 58 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name start_research

Category Execute

MCP Server Frase SEO MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE FRASE SEO TOOLS

Destructive delete_content Destructive delete_research Destructive delete_webhook Execute start_audit Execute start_optimization Write apply_optimization Write create_brief Write create_prompt

View all 58 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like start_research have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER EXECUTE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents commerce_preflight Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents execute_with_context Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents gateway_execute_approval Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents governance_360 Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents parse_governance_block_html AgentClear — API Marketplace for AI Agents call_service

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

start_research is one of the high-risk operations in Frase SEO. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the start_research tool do? +

Start AI-powered research on a topic. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Frase SEO MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_research? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for start_research. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Frase SEO MCP server.

What risk level is start_research? +

start_research is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit start_research? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_research 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 start_research completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for start_research. 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 start_research? +

start_research is provided by the Frase SEO MCP server (@frase/mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

start_research

Enforce policies on Frase SEO