Asymmetry of Power

Coded algorithms automate operations or actions according to a logic that differs little from that which humans have applied for centuries. Replacing the human brain by a digital computer enables more consistency, greater speed of calculation and more control. However, it adds an additional dimension that is not possible with a human agent: computers do not only carry out actions using information in the form of programmed instructions but they can also produce information that coded algorithms can capture and report. However, whilst you have some control over the former in that you have indicated the action, e.g. a search, you seemingly have much less control over the latter (e.g. collecting, storing and associating with you information about what you are searching for) and certainly many people do not perceive that the latter is happening behind the scenes. this is what is meant by asymmetry of power.

Visiting a particular website results in your visit being logged, tracked with cookies and then combined with information already held about you to send you personalized advertisements. You can see what is happening behind the scenes using packet capture software such as wire shark.

Computers do not only carry out actions using information in the form of programmed instructions but they can also produce information that coded algorithms can capture and report. However, whilst you have some control over the former in that you have initiated the action, e.g a search you seemingly have much less control over the latter