Error 403, also known as "Forbidden," is an HTTP status code that indicates the server understands the request but refuses to authorize it. This means that the user does not have permission to access the requested resource, which could be a webpage, file, or directory on a website. Common reasons for encountering Error 403 include insufficient user permissions, IP address restrictions, or the need for authentication. Website administrators often configure these settings to protect sensitive information or to restrict access to certain users, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view specific content.