format_text · Google Connections MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What format_text does on Google Connections

AI agents use format_text 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_text needs a policy

Formatting text modifies document content reversibly, consistent with Write category. Severity is medium because uncontrolled formatting of shared documents could degrade usability or alter presentation intent, but changes are undoable. Confidence is lowered (0.7) due to missing description; if this tool only formats within a single cell/paragraph versus document-wide, risk assessment may shift.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'format_text' suggests text modification. Server context shows Docs integration enabling 'full CRUD operations.' No description provided to clarify scope.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

format_text Rate-limited

format_text 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_text": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "format_text_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_text

What does the format_text tool do? +

format_text. 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_text? +

Register the Google Connections MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format_text: 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_text? +

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

Can I rate-limit format_text? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the format_text 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_text completely? +

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

format_text 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.