PERMANENTLY delete ALL messages in the Trash folder. THIS IS IRREVERSIBLE.
AI agents call empty_trash to permanently remove resources in Gmail — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
This tool irreversibly deletes all messages in the Trash folder without selective recovery options. It meets the Destructive category definition: 'irreversibly deletes or overwrites data, or actions that cannot be undone (delete, drop, purge, force-push).' The critical severity reflects the bulk nature of the deletion and permanent loss of potentially important email communications.
From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'PERMANENTLY delete ALL messages' and 'THIS IS IRREVERSIBLE.' The tool name 'empty_trash' combined with the description indicates complete, unrecoverable deletion of data.
Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
PERMANENTLY delete ALL messages in the Trash folder. THIS IS IRREVERSIBLE. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Gmail MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Gmail MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for empty_trash: 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 Gmail. Nothing to install.
empty_trash is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the empty_trash 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for empty_trash. 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.
empty_trash is provided by the Gmail MCP server (ndungukamami-sketch/gmail-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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