What is the primary purpose of the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)?

The primary purpose of the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is to establish a comprehensive set of requirements aimed at ensuring that all organizations that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. This standard outlines a minimum set of security measures that must be implemented to protect cardholder data from theft and unauthorized access.

Adhering to PCI DSS helps organizations mitigate risks associated with data breaches involving credit card information, thus fostering trust among consumers and maintaining the integrity of the payment card transaction process. This is crucial in an era where cyber threats are increasingly prevalent, making the security of sensitive financial information paramount for both businesses and customers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the focus of PCI DSS. For example, guidelines for minimizing marketing costs do not relate to data security. The standard also doesn't primarily address employee data protection rights nor does it regulate government data collection, which are distinct areas governed by different regulations and frameworks. Therefore, option B correctly encapsulates the primary aim of PCI DSS.