merge_table_cells · Google MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What merge_table_cells does on Google

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why merge_table_cells needs a policy

Merging table cells modifies the structure and formatting of a Google Doc table in a reversible manner. This is a write operation—it changes document state but can be undone (cells can be unmerged). It does not delete data irreversibly, execute arbitrary code, or trigger financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'merge_table_cells' and context within google-mcp server that provides 'cell-level edits' and 'formatting' to Google Docs. Description states it 'merges cells in a Google Doc table,' which is a formatting modification operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

merge_table_cells Rate-limited

merge_table_cells 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": {
    "merge_table_cells": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "merge_table_cells_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 Google, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about merge_table_cells

What does the merge_table_cells tool do? +

Merge cells in a Google Doc table. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on merge_table_cells? +

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

What risk level is merge_table_cells? +

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

Can I rate-limit merge_table_cells? +

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

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

merge_table_cells is provided by the Google MCP server (ztgluis/google-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.