# upsert_task

Create or update a task by stable metadata fingerprint. Metadata is shallow-merged on updates.

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

## Facts

- Tool: `upsert_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": "upsert_task",
    "arguments": {}
  }
}
```

## Why upsert_task is rated Medium

This tool modifies task data non-destructively. It can create new tasks or update existing ones through metadata merging, which are standard Write operations. Severity is medium because while the tool can alter task state at scale depending on filters/fingerprints, these changes are reversible and the scope is limited to task metadata. No irreversible data destruction, code execution, or financial impact.

From the tool's own definition: "Tool description explicitly states it can 'Create or update a task' with shallow merge behavior. The name 'upsert_task' (upsert = update or insert) and description confirm write-class behavior—data modification is reversible via subsequent updates or…"

## Use case

AI agents use upsert_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": {
    "upsert_task": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upsert_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