Which protocol is primarily concerned with transferring hypertext over the internet?

The primary protocol concerned with transferring hypertext over the internet is HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol. This protocol is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. HTTP enables web browsers to request and retrieve web pages from servers, allowing users to navigate through hyperlinks and access various forms of content such as text, images, and videos found on the web.

HTTP operates as a request-response protocol, where a client (usually a web browser) sends a request to a server and receives a response that typically contains the requested content. This makes it essential for the functionality of web applications and sites, thus facilitating a rich, interactive web experience.

While other protocols are important for different uses within internet communications—such as FTP for file transfers, SMTP for sending emails, and IMAP for retrieving emails—these do not specifically address the transfer of hypertext, which is why HTTP stands apart as the correct answer.