MCP Tool Reference Low Risk

list_data

List all datasets or data items in a given dataset

Part of the Cognee MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

topoteretes/cognee Read

WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents call list_data to retrieve information from Cognee without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions — but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON LIST_DATA

Even though list_data only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

RECOMMENDED POLICY

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

cognee.yaml 
tools:
  list_data:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Cognee policy for all 7 tools.

DETAILS

Tool Name

list_data

Category

Read

MCP Server

Cognee MCP Server

Risk Level

Low

MORE COGNEE TOOLS

search Read
Query the knowledge graph using various search types
cognify_status Read
Get the current processing status of a cognify job
save_interaction Write
Log user-agent interactions into the knowledge graph
cognify Execute
Transform ingested data into a structured knowledge graph
delete Destructive
Delete a data item by ID from a dataset
prune Destructive
Clear all stored data and reset the knowledge graph

SIMILAR READ TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS

list_bases Airtable
List all accessible Airtable bases
list_tables Airtable
List all tables in a base
list_records Airtable
Retrieve records from a table
get_record Airtable
Get a single record by its ID
search_records Airtable
Find records matching criteria
search Amplitude
Search for charts, dashboards, notebooks, experiments, events, properties, cohorts

RELATED READING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does the list_data tool do?

List all datasets or data items in a given dataset. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cognee MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_data?

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for list_data. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Cognee MCP server.

What risk level is list_data?

list_data is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_data?

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_data rule in your Intercept 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 list_data completely?

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for list_data. 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 list_data?

list_data is provided by the Cognee MCP server (topoteretes/cognee). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

ENFORCE POLICIES ON COGNEE

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

VIEW ON GITHUB Full Cognee policy →