A1: (Meta)data are retrievable by their identifier using a standardized communication protocol
So, you've identified a digital resource. Now it's time to retrieve it and/or its metadata record.
TL;DR - Use HTTP(S) if possible.
You want to avoid protocols with limited implementation, poor documentation, and, when possible, components involving human intervention.
It may not be possible to provide secure access through a fully mechanized protocol like HTTP, for example, for highly sensitive data. However, the protocol must be clear and explicit in the metadata, whether it involves a verbal request, email, telephone number, Slack username, et cetera.
The important thing is that the communication protocol for how to access is explicit and clearly defined in the metadata, whether fully mechanized or not.
It may not be possible to provide secure access through a fully mechanized protocol like HTTP, for example, for highly sensitive data. However, the protocol must be clear and explicit in the metadata, whether it involves a verbal request, email, telephone number, Slack username, et cetera.
The important thing is that the communication protocol for how to access is explicit and clearly defined in the metadata, whether fully mechanized or not.