diff --git a/synapse/rest/client/v1/presence.py b/synapse/rest/client/v1/presence.py
index 27ea5f2a4..bbfa1d6ac 100644
--- a/synapse/rest/client/v1/presence.py
+++ b/synapse/rest/client/v1/presence.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ class PresenceStatusRestServlet(ClientV1RestServlet):
             )
 
             if not allowed:
-                raise AuthError(403, "You are allowed to see their presence.")
+                raise AuthError(403, "You are not allowed to see their presence.")
 
         state = yield self.handlers.presence_handler.get_state(target_user=user)