unpublish_collection · Shopify Graphql MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What unpublish_collection does on Shopify Graphql

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why unpublish_collection needs a policy

Unpublishing a collection removes its visibility from sales channels but does not delete the collection itself — it is reversible by republishing. This is a modification of the collection's published state, fitting the Write category. Misuse could hide products from customers, causing revenue impact, hence medium severity.

From the tool's definition Unpublish a collection from sales channels

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

unpublish_collection Rate-limited

unpublish_collection 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": {
    "unpublish_collection": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "unpublish_collection_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 Shopify Graphql, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about unpublish_collection

What does the unpublish_collection tool do? +

Unpublish a collection from sales channels. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Shopify Graphql MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on unpublish_collection? +

Register the Shopify Graphql MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for unpublish_collection: 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 Shopify Graphql. Nothing to install.

What risk level is unpublish_collection? +

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

Can I rate-limit unpublish_collection? +

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

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

unpublish_collection is provided by the Shopify Graphql MCP server (uvu-store/shopify-graphql-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.