Which task can the HTML5 geolocation API perform?

The HTML5 geolocation API is specifically designed to enable web applications to access the geographical location of a user's device. This functionality allows a website to request the user's latitude and longitude coordinates, which can be used to provide location-based services, enhance user experience, or display relevant content based on the user's current position.

This capability is significant for applications that require knowledge of a user’s physical location, such as mapping services or local search functions. Therefore, the ability to determine a user’s current position clearly highlights the primary function of the geolocation API.

The other options do not align with the purpose of the geolocation API. Storing user data on a server, managing database connections, and encrypting user information involve different technologies and APIs that serve purposes separate from location data processing.