Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for standardized data exchange protocols such as HTTP and FTP?

The correct answer is associated with the application layer of the OSI model, which is the seventh layer. This layer is responsible for providing network services directly to the end users and enabling applications to communicate over the network. Protocols such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), which is widely used for web communication, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol), used for transferring files, operate at this layer.

The application layer serves as the interface between the user's application and the underlying networking layers, facilitating the exchange of information across different systems. By standardizing how applications communicate, the application layer ensures compatibility and interoperability among various software programs, regardless of the underlying hardware or networking technologies involved.