What service is provided by HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, which is used primarily to secure communication over a computer network, particularly the internet. The key service provided by HTTPS is the encryption of data exchanged between a user's web browser and a web server. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as login details, credit card numbers, and personal data, is protected from potential eavesdroppers and hackers.

When using HTTPS, the data is sent over a secure connection, which makes it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or read the information being transmitted. This is achieved through the use of protocols like SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), which not only encrypt the data but also provide authentication. This means that users can have confidence that they are communicating with the intended website, and that their data is secure from tampering and interception during transmission.

The other choices do not accurately describe the core function of HTTPS. While HTTPS is related to secure data exchange, it does not deal with data compression, user access limitations, or email protocols. Each of those aspects involves different technologies and purposes separate from what HTTPS accomplishes.