add_translation · I18n MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_translation does on I18n

AI agents use add_translation to create or update resources in I18n — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your I18n environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_translation needs a policy

This tool modifies translation file contents by adding or updating keys, which is a reversible write operation. While it affects application behavior through translations, the changes can be reverted by subsequent updates or deletions.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add or update a single translation key across one or more locales' — this creates or modifies translation data. The sibling tool 'delete_translation' suggests reversibility (data can be undone), distinguishing this from Destructive.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_translation Rate-limited

add_translation 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": {
    "add_translation": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_translation_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 I18n, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_translation

What does the add_translation tool do? +

Add or update a single translation key across one or more locales. It is categorised as a Write tool in the I18n MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_translation? +

Register the I18n MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_translation: 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 I18n. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_translation? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_translation? +

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

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

add_translation is provided by the I18n MCP server (robin-heat/i18n-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.