markAsUnread · Google Workspace MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What markAsUnread does on Google Workspace MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why markAsUnread needs a policy

Adding or removing labels on Gmail messages is a reversible write operation. The user can easily mark the message as read again. It has minimal blast radius—an agent marking messages as unread causes inconvenience but no data loss or harm. It is not Execute (no code/script execution), not Destructive (fully reversible), and not Financial.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it "Mark[s] a Gmail message as unread by adding the UNREAD label." This modifies Gmail message state (label application) but does not delete, execute code, move funds, or permanently remove data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

markAsUnread Rate-limited

markAsUnread 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": {
    "markAsUnread": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "markasunread_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 Workspace MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about markAsUnread

What does the markAsUnread tool do? +

Mark a Gmail message as unread by adding the UNREAD label. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google Workspace 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 markAsUnread? +

Register the Google Workspace MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for markAsUnread: 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 Workspace MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is markAsUnread? +

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

Can I rate-limit markAsUnread? +

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

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

markAsUnread is provided by the Google Workspace MCP Server MCP server (pm990320/google-workspace-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.