HTTP 403 Forbidden vs 410 Gone
Both HTTP 403 (Forbidden) and 410 (Gone) belong to the 4xx Client Error category. 403 indicates that the server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission. Meanwhile, 410 means that the resource is permanently gone and will not be available again. Unlike 404, this is intentional and permanent.
Description
The server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission.
When You See It
When trying to access a resource you're authenticated for but don't have permission to access.
How to Fix
Check your user role/permissions. Contact the admin to request access.
Description
The resource is permanently gone and will not be available again. Unlike 404, this is intentional and permanent.
When You See It
When a resource has been deliberately removed and should be de-indexed by search engines.
How to Fix
Remove references to this URL. Search engines will de-index the page.
Key Differences
HTTP 403: The server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission.
HTTP 410: The resource is permanently gone and will not be available again. Unlike 404, this is intentional and permanent.
You encounter 403 when when trying to access a resource you're authenticated for but don't have permission to access.
You encounter 410 when when a resource has been deliberately removed and should be de-indexed by search engines.
When to Use Which
For 403 (Forbidden): Check your user role/permissions. Contact the admin to request access. For 410 (Gone): Remove references to this URL. Search engines will de-index the page.