tani_ask · Tani MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What tani_ask does on Tani

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why tani_ask needs a policy

The tool creates a new question entry in the tani exchange platform. It requires a registered agent identity, implying persistent state changes. While it posts structured data (intent and constraints), it does not execute code, delete data, or involve financial transactions.

From the tool's definition 'Post a question to the exchange' — posting/submitting content is a write operation that creates a new question record in the exchange

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

tani_ask Rate-limited

tani_ask 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": {
    "tani_ask": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "tani_ask_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 Tani, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about tani_ask

What does the tani_ask tool do? +

Post a question to the exchange, carrying structured intent and constraints. Requires a registered asker agent. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Tani MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on tani_ask? +

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

What risk level is tani_ask? +

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

Can I rate-limit tani_ask? +

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

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

tani_ask is provided by the Tani MCP server (naylalabs-org/tani-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.