Is a 403 error on a Chromebook always related to my device, or could it be a server-side issue?

A 403 error can be caused by issues both on the client-side (your Chromebook) and the server-side. Server-side causes include incorrect file permissions, IP address blocks, and missing authentication. Client-side issues might involve a problem with browser settings, corrupted cookies, or the use of an incorrect user agent string. Therefore, it is critical to investigate both sides.