13 Power over Information Flow

This chapter explores the notion of power and its effects on information flow. Current information flows are dictated by two conflicting powers—the power to enable information flow, and the power to block the flow. These powers manifest themselves at all levels, such as that of the individual users and the government infrastructure. While an individual may seek access to information, the government may try to block the information or prevent it from leaving or reaching the individual. To this scenario a third entity could be added: the malware creator and digital attacker. Furthermore, localized rules and regulations enable governments and individuals to exercise more control over digital information while also enabling some information flow deemed appropriate by either party. But in the end, it is not the ability to control flows that matters as much as the ability to influence decisions and actions.