Which of the following describes the effect of encapsulation on data?

Encapsulation is primarily a concept in object-oriented programming and networking, where it refers to the bundling of data with the methods that operate on that data. This concept helps protect the data by restricting access to it and only allowing it to be manipulated through specified methods. By encapsulating the data, the internal representation of the object is hidden from the outside, thus reducing the chances of unintended interference or the access of sensitive information.

In this context, when encapsulation hides an object from unwanted access, it serves to safeguard the data it contains, allowing for controlled access and modification only through designated interfaces. This aligns with the concept of encapsulation, as it helps maintain integrity and provides a mechanism for enforcing security around data access.

The other options, while related to different aspects of data integrity or security, do not accurately capture the primary purpose of encapsulation. Ensuring the correctness of information being sent or received, preventing information leakage, and checking for invalid characters, while important for data handling, do not define the essence of encapsulation itself, which is centered around data hiding and controlled access.