source_add_text · NotebookLM MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What source_add_text does on NotebookLM MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why source_add_text needs a policy

The tool creates new source entries within a notebook, which is a reversible write operation. While it modifies data structure, it does not execute code, delete data, or commit financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'source_add' and description states it will 'Add pasted text as a source to a notebook.' This is a create operation that modifies notebook state by introducing new source material.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

source_add_text Rate-limited

source_add_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": {
    "source_add_text": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "source_add_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 NotebookLM MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about source_add_text

What does the source_add_text tool do? +

Add pasted text as a source to a notebook. It is categorised as a Write tool in the NotebookLM MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on source_add_text? +

Register the NotebookLM MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for source_add_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 NotebookLM MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is source_add_text? +

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

Can I rate-limit source_add_text? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the source_add_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 source_add_text completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for source_add_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 source_add_text? +

source_add_text is provided by the NotebookLM MCP Server MCP server (pavelguzenfeld/notebooklm-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.