PERMISSION_DENIED to intargrete

Gemini API
1

Hello,

I’m requesting a review and unlock of Gemini API access. This error
appears consistently on a freshly created project with no prior usage
history and no known policy violation.

Project ID: mindcare-ai-gemini
Project Number: 672236835..
Account type: Personal Google account
Region: Zambia

What I’ve verified:

  • Generative Language API is enabled on this project
  • Billing is not enabled (intentionally using the free tier)
  • Tested with a fresh API key created directly in this project (not an
    auto-created default project)
  • In the AI Studio Projects list, this project shows a status of
    “Restricted” next to it
  • Error is consistent across multiple attempts and multiple projects

Exact error message:
{“error”:{“code”:403,“message”:“Your project has been denied access.
Please contact support.”,“status”:“PERMISSION_DENIED”}}

This is blocking development of a student mental health support platform
for university students in Zambia. Any help restoring access, or
clarification on why this project is restricted, would be greatly
appreciated.

Thank you.

2

Hello @SIAME_KELVIN ,
Getting a 403 API error response and / or seeing “Unavailable” next to your project in AI audio indicates a flag has been placed on your account. To proceed:

  1. If you’re on the free tier with no billing attached, you should consider setting up billing. In most cases this is enough to clear any flag on your account. Please note this will mean you lose your free tier quota. You should also see a banner in AI studio prompting you to set up billing.

  2. If you are on a paid tier, check for banners / error callouts in the AI Studio Projects page & the Billing page. Mostly these flags cause visible banners or other errors on these pages with concrete next steps / appeal links. You can also check the email address associated with your project for information on next steps.