Description: Object Lock is an API operation in Amazon Web Services (AWS) that enables object locking in an Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) bucket. This functionality is crucial for ensuring data protection, as it allows users to set policies that prevent the deletion or overwriting of objects for a specific period. By enabling object locking, two types of retention can be applied: ‘Compliance Mode’, which ensures that objects cannot be deleted until the retention period expires, and ‘Governance Mode’, which allows users with specific permissions to delete objects before the retention period expires, but prevents others from doing so. This feature is especially relevant for organizations that must comply with data retention regulations, such as those in various industries including finance and healthcare. Additionally, object locking helps prevent accidental loss of critical data, providing an extra layer of security in cloud information management. In summary, Object Lock is an essential tool for data management in AWS S3, offering control and protection over stored objects.