get_unread_and_draft_replies · Gmail Assistant MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What get_unread_and_draft_replies does on Gmail Assistant MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why get_unread_and_draft_replies needs a policy

While fetching emails is a Read operation, the tool's primary distinguishing action is automatically creating draft replies for all qualifying emails. Draft creation is a Write operation (reversible, but with broad automated scope across all direct emails).

From the tool's definition 'automatically create AI-powered draft replies for all emails sent directly to you' — the tool both fetches emails (Read) and creates drafts (Write) in a single operation

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

get_unread_and_draft_replies Rate-limited

get_unread_and_draft_replies 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": {
    "get_unread_and_draft_replies": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "get_unread_and_draft_replies_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 Gmail Assistant MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about get_unread_and_draft_replies

What does the get_unread_and_draft_replies tool do? +

Fetch unread emails and automatically create AI-powered draft replies for all emails sent directly to you (not CC. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Gmail Assistant MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on get_unread_and_draft_replies? +

Register the Gmail Assistant MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_unread_and_draft_replies: 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 Gmail Assistant MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is get_unread_and_draft_replies? +

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

Can I rate-limit get_unread_and_draft_replies? +

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

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

get_unread_and_draft_replies is provided by the Gmail Assistant MCP server (thejoefriel/gmail-assistant-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.