add_task · Gcal MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_task does on Gcal

AI agents use add_task to create or update resources in Gcal — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Gcal environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_task needs a policy

This is a Write operation because it creates and persists new data (a task) to Google Tasks and local metadata storage. It is reversible (tasks can be deleted), so it does not rise to Destructive.

From the tool's definition The tool 'adds' or 'creates' a new task, storing it in Google Tasks. The description explicitly states 'Create a new task' and 'Stores it in Google Tasks', indicating irreversible data creation that modifies the user's task list.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_task Rate-limited

add_task stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "add_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_task_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Gcal, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_task

What does the add_task tool do? +

Create a new task. Stores it in Google Tasks (visible on web/mobile) and saves metadata (quadrant, energy level, estimated duration) locally. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Gcal MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_task? +

Register the Gcal MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_task: 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 Gcal. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_task? +

add_task is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit add_task? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_task 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.

How do I block add_task completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_task. 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 add_task? +

add_task is provided by the Gcal MCP server (kwikkid/gcalcli). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.