What is the primary function of rule-based access control?

The primary function of rule-based access control is to allow access based on a series of defined rules and filters. This access control model establishes a set of criteria that governs the permissions granted to users, groups, or roles within a system. These rules are often based on attributes such as the user's role, the time of access, the location from which access is attempted, and the type of resource being accessed.

By defining specific rules, organizations can create a more dynamic and adaptable access control environment that can respond to various contexts and conditions. This system can effectively manage complex environments, where access needs to be controlled not just by user identity but by additional factors that determine the appropriateness of access.

The other options do not align with the core principle of rule-based access control. Providing unrestricted access to all users contradicts the need for security and control over who can access data. Allowing users to create their own access rules would lead to inconsistencies and potential security vulnerabilities, undermining the structured approach that rule-based access enforces. Lastly, restricting access solely based on user identity does not leverage the flexibility and contextual granularity that rule-based access control provides, failing to account for a broader range of conditions that might necessitate different permissions.