Follow the Data! A Strategy for Tracing Infrastructural Power

Recalling the well-known strategy of “following money” when investigating underlying power structures and business models legacy media, this article argues that studies digital political economies can benefit instead from following data. Combining perspectives critical data infrastructure research, we first discuss how direct money flows be difficult to trace in ecosystems, creating a need for alternative analytical approaches studying scrutinising contemporary configurations societies. As theoretical backdrop, elaborate on concept infrastructural apply it walkthrough infrastructures. To illustrate efficacy strategy, provide examples internet infrastructures Northern Europe control over is translated into economic profit societal power. In doing so, argue increased attention needed advance both studies, improve market monitoring, ground future regulation policy.