What language is used to control access to data in a database?

Data Control Language (DCL) is specifically designed for controlling access to data within a database. It comprises commands such as GRANT and REVOKE, which are used to give or remove user access to various database objects and operations. With DCL, database administrators can manage permissions and ensure that users have the appropriate level of access to sensitive information, thereby enhancing security and compliance within the database environment.

Although Structured Query Language (SQL) encompasses all sublanguages used in database management, including DCL, it is broader in scope and functions as a standard language for querying and manipulating databases. Data Manipulation Language (DML) focuses on the retrieval and modification of data, while Data Definition Language (DDL) is concerned with the structure of the database itself, such as creating or altering tables. However, neither DML nor DDL directly addresses access control, which is the primary role of DCL. Thus, DCL is the most accurate answer for the specific task of controlling data access in databases.