HTTP 308 Permanent Redirect vs 451 Unavailable For Legal Reasons
HTTP 308 (Permanent Redirect) is a 3xx Redirection response, while 451 (Unavailable For Legal Reasons) is a 4xx Client Error response. 308 indicates that the resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed. In contrast, 451 means that the server is denying access to the resource as a consequence of a legal demand. Named after Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.
Description
The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.
When You See It
For permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.
How to Fix
Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved.
Description
The server is denying access to the resource as a consequence of a legal demand. Named after Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.
When You See It
When content is blocked due to court orders, GDPR requests, or government censorship.
How to Fix
No technical fix. The block is legally mandated. Contact the site operator for details.
Key Differences
308 is a 3xx Redirection response, while 451 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 308: The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.
HTTP 451: The server is denying access to the resource as a consequence of a legal demand. Named after Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.
You encounter 308 when for permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.
You encounter 451 when when content is blocked due to court orders, GDPR requests, or government censorship.
When to Use Which
For 308 (Permanent Redirect): Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved. For 451 (Unavailable For Legal Reasons): No technical fix. The block is legally mandated. Contact the site operator for details.