The acronym HTTP represents Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It is used for transferring hypertext (web pages) between a web server and a client (web browser). HTTP enables users to request and receive resources, facilitating web browsing and applications. Its functionality is complemented by HTTPS (HTTP Secure), which adds a layer of encryption to protect data integrity and confidentiality, especially when handling sensitive information online.