What does a URL do?

A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, serves a critical function in web navigation by specifying the location of a resource on the internet. This includes defining the protocol to use (such as HTTP or HTTPS), the domain name (like www.example.com), and often includes additional information such as the path to a specific page or resource within that domain. By providing this comprehensive address, URLs allow web browsers to locate and retrieve the desired content efficiently.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary role of a URL. While linking to multimedia content is a function of what a URL can point to, it does not encapsulate the essence of what a URL is designed to do. Filtering website content and encrypting web data relate to other aspects of web technologies and security, but they are not inherent functions of a URL itself. Thus, option B correctly identifies the fundamental purpose of a URL within the framework of web navigation and resource access.