add_notes_batch · Anki MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_notes_batch does on Anki

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_notes_batch needs a policy

This tool creates new note records in bulk, which is a Write operation — it modifies state by adding data but does not irreversibly delete, execute arbitrary code, move money, or perform destructive operations. Severity is medium because bulk creation could cause spam or clutter if misused by an agent, but the effects are reversible through delete operations.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create multiple review-pending notes' — the verb 'Create' indicates data modification. The tool accepts batch input to add notes to an Anki deck via AnkiConnect, which is a reversible write operation (notes can be deleted).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_notes_batch Rate-limited

add_notes_batch 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": {
    "add_notes_batch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_notes_batch_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 Anki, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_notes_batch

What does the add_notes_batch tool do? +

Create multiple review-pending notes with stable per-item outcomes. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Anki MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_notes_batch? +

Register the Anki MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_notes_batch: 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 Anki. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_notes_batch? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_notes_batch? +

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

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

add_notes_batch is provided by the Anki MCP server (yama662607/anki-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.