# claim_task

Alias for start_task — mark a task as in_progress and assign it to the calling agent.

Agent View of the PolicyLayer registry record for `claim_task`. HTML page: https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/claim-task

## Facts

- Tool: `claim_task`
- Server: Todos (`@hasna/todos`) — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos.md
- Install: `npx -y @hasna/todos`
- Homepage: git+https://github.com/hasna/todos.git
- Risk category: Write (Medium risk)
- Registry record: grade F, identity unverified
- Server rate-limited: no
- Parameters: 0
- Recommended policy verdict: Rate-limited

## Example call (MCP tools/call, JSON-RPC 2.0)

```json
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "claim_task",
    "arguments": {}
  }
}
```

## Why claim_task is rated Medium

This tool modifies task metadata (status and ownership) in a reversible manner. It does not delete, execute code, move money, or trigger external operations. The agent can later release or reassign the task. The 'medium' severity reflects that misuse could monopolize tasks or disrupt workflow coordination, but changes are non-destructive and can be corrected.

From the tool's own definition: "Tool description states it will 'mark a task as in_progress and assign it to the calling agent' — this modifies task state and assignment, which are data changes."

## Use case

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

## Recommended policy (PolicyLayer)

Verdict: **Rate-limited**. Enforced by the PolicyLayer MCP gateway (https://policylayer.com/mcp-gateway) before a call reaches Todos:

```json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "claim_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "claim_task_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

## Other tools on Todos (527)

- `apply_retention_cleanup` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/apply-retention-cleanup.md
- `bulk_delete_tasks` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/bulk-delete-tasks.md
- `cancel_agent_run` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cancel-agent-run.md
- `cancel_agent_run_dispatch` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cancel-agent-run-dispatch.md
- `cancel_dispatch` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cancel-dispatch.md
- `cleanup_artifacts` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/cleanup-artifacts.md
- `delete_agent` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-agent.md
- `delete_artifact` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-artifact.md
- `delete_comment` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-comment.md
- `delete_label` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-label.md
- `delete_milestone` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-milestone.md
- `delete_plan` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-plan.md
- `delete_project` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-project.md
- `delete_roadmap` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-roadmap.md
- `delete_search_view` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-search-view.md
- `delete_tag` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-tag.md
- `delete_task` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-task.md
- `delete_task_list` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-task-list.md
- `delete_template` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-template.md
- `delete_watch_rule` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/delete-watch-rule.md
- `machines_archive` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/machines-archive.md
- `machines_delete` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/machines-delete.md
- `remove_agent_run_adapter` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-agent-run-adapter.md
- `remove_capacity_profile` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-capacity-profile.md
- `remove_encryption_profile` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-encryption-profile.md
- `remove_local_event_hook` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-local-event-hook.md
- `remove_local_extension` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-local-extension.md
- `remove_policy_pack` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-policy-pack.md
- `remove_review_routing_rule` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-review-routing-rule.md
- `remove_runner_sandbox_profile` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/todos/remove-runner-sandbox-profile.md
- …and 497 more: https://policylayer.com/tools/todos.md

## For agents

This record is a snapshot. Live verdicts and the full registry:

- Check every server in your MCP config at once: `npx -y policylayer stack`
- Vet a server before you add it: install the mcp-precheck skill — `npx skills add https://policylayer.com` (skill text: https://policylayer.com/skill.md)
- Query the registry over MCP: endpoint `https://api.policylayer.com/mcp` — tools `check_mcp_server`, `check_mcp_stack`, `check_tool`, `search_registry`, `get_change_events`

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Source: the PolicyLayer MCP registry — one continuously verified record per MCP server. Full record: https://policylayer.com/registry?q=todos · API: https://policylayer.com/registry/api · Policy library: https://policylayer.com/policies/todos