403 Error
A 403 Forbidden error is an HTTP status code that means a web server is blocking you from accessing a specific webpage or resource. The server understands your request but refuses to fulfill it due to a lack of permission. A 403 error explicitly states that the content is present but access is denied.
Common causes for 403 errors
For all users:
IP address blocking: A website owner might block your specific IP address or a range of IP addresses, sometimes due to a mistaken security flag.
VPN interference: Some sites automatically block VPNs to enforce geographic restrictions, which can trigger a 403 error.
Outdated cache or cookies: Your browser may have cached an outdated version of a page's access permissions, which conflicts with the server's current settings.
Incorrect URL: A simple typo in the web address can cause this error, as you might be trying to access a directory that is not publicly visible.