format_paragraph · Google Connections MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What format_paragraph does on Google Connections

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why format_paragraph needs a policy

Formatting a paragraph in Google Docs modifies document structure and appearance reversibly without deleting data. This is a Write operation rather than Read (no retrieval), Execute (no arbitrary code), Destructive (reversible), or Financial. Severity is medium due to potential for document corruption or unintended modifications if misused by an AI agent, but the impact is limited to formatting rather than data loss.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'format_paragraph' combined with server context (Google Docs API) indicates modification of document content. Sibling tools like 'batch_update_doc' and 'append_to_doc' confirm this is a write-capable server.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

format_paragraph Rate-limited

format_paragraph 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": {
    "format_paragraph": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "format_paragraph_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 Google Connections, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about format_paragraph

What does the format_paragraph tool do? +

format_paragraph. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google Connections MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on format_paragraph? +

Register the Google Connections MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format_paragraph: 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 Google Connections. Nothing to install.

What risk level is format_paragraph? +

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

Can I rate-limit format_paragraph? +

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

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

format_paragraph is provided by the Google Connections MCP server (michaelzrork/google-connections-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.