archive_memory · Tages MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What archive_memory does on Tages

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why archive_memory needs a policy

This tool modifies data state by archiving memories, which is a reversible write operation rather than permanent deletion (which would be Destructive). While archiving removes items from recall, the preserved state allows restoration, fitting the Write category of reversible modifications.

From the tool's definition The tool description states it 'Archive[s] a memory to cold storage — removes it from recall but preserves it for restoration,' indicating a modification of data state (moving from active to archived status) that is reversible through restoration.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

archive_memory Rate-limited

archive_memory 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": {
    "archive_memory": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "archive_memory_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 Tages, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about archive_memory

What does the archive_memory tool do? +

Archive a memory to cold storage — removes it from recall but preserves it for restoration. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Tages MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on archive_memory? +

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

What risk level is archive_memory? +

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

Can I rate-limit archive_memory? +

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

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

archive_memory is provided by the Tages MCP server (ryantlee25-droid/tages). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.