drive_file_trash · Google Workspace MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What drive_file_trash does on Google Workspace

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why drive_file_trash needs a policy

Although the tool moves a file to trash, the description explicitly marks this as reversible, which distinguishes it from a Destructive action. The file is not permanently deleted and can be recovered, making this a Write operation that modifies data state.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Move a file to trash (reversible)', indicating the action modifies file state but can be undone by restoration from trash.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

drive_file_trash Rate-limited

drive_file_trash 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": {
    "drive_file_trash": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "drive_file_trash_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, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about drive_file_trash

What does the drive_file_trash tool do? +

Move a file to trash (reversible). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google Workspace MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on drive_file_trash? +

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

What risk level is drive_file_trash? +

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

Can I rate-limit drive_file_trash? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the drive_file_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.

How do I block drive_file_trash completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for drive_file_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.

What MCP server provides drive_file_trash? +

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