get_initial_context
Initialise context and get usage instructions
Part of the Sanity MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.
WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL
AI agents call get_initial_context to retrieve information from Sanity 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 GET_INITIAL_CONTEXT
Even though get_initial_context 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.
tools:
get_initial_context:
rules:
- action: allowSee the full Sanity policy for all 36 tools.
DETAILS
MORE SANITY TOOLS
get_sanity_config Read query_documents Read list_releases Read list_datasets Read get_schema Read list_workspace_schemas Read get_groq_specification Read list_embeddings_indices Read SIMILAR READ TOOLS ON OTHER SERVERS
list_bases Airtable list_tables Airtable list_records Airtable get_record Airtable search_records Airtable search Amplitude RELATED READING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the get_initial_context tool do?
Initialise context and get usage instructions. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Sanity MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
How do I enforce a policy on get_initial_context?
Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for get_initial_context. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Sanity MCP server.
What risk level is get_initial_context?
get_initial_context is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Can I rate-limit get_initial_context?
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_initial_context 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 get_initial_context completely?
Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for get_initial_context. 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 get_initial_context?
get_initial_context is provided by the Sanity MCP server (@sanity/mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
ENFORCE POLICIES ON SANITY
Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.