send_dm · Instagram MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What send_dm does on Instagram MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why send_dm needs a policy

This tool creates new direct messages, which are persistent data modifications on Instagram's platform. While not destructive (messages can be deleted) or financial in nature, it has high severity because an AI agent could spam users, impersonate account holders to contacts, or send unauthorized communications at scale. The blast radius includes reputational damage, account suspension, or legal liability.

From the tool's definition Tool named 'send_dm' with description 'Send Instagram direct message to a user' - the verb 'Send' indicates creation of new message data that modifies the conversation state on Instagram.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

send_dm Rate-limited

send_dm 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": {
    "send_dm": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "send_dm_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 Instagram MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about send_dm

What does the send_dm tool do? +

Send Instagram direct message to a user. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Instagram MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on send_dm? +

Register the Instagram MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for send_dm: 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 Instagram MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is send_dm? +

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

Can I rate-limit send_dm? +

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

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

send_dm is provided by the Instagram MCP Server MCP server (webnaresh/insta-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.