generate_image · Nano Banana MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What generate_image does on Nano Banana

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why generate_image needs a policy

This tool creates new image content via an external API (Gemini 2.5 Flash). It is a Write operation — it produces a new artifact but does not irreversibly delete or overwrite existing data, execute arbitrary code, or involve financial transactions. Misuse could generate inappropriate imagery or incur API costs, warranting medium severity.

From the tool's definition Generate a NEW image from text prompt. Use this ONLY when creating a completely new image

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

generate_image Rate-limited

generate_image 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": {
    "generate_image": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "generate_image_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 Nano Banana, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about generate_image

What does the generate_image tool do? +

Generate a NEW image from text prompt. Use this ONLY when creating a completely new image, not when modifying an existing one. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Nano Banana MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on generate_image? +

Register the Nano Banana MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for generate_image: 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 Nano Banana. Nothing to install.

What risk level is generate_image? +

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

Can I rate-limit generate_image? +

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

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

generate_image is provided by the Nano Banana MCP server (nano-banana-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.