Social media networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are playing a key role in the political scene especially in countries with limited political rights where more traditional media and other forms of communication can be blocked. Twitter, which could be updated via various channels, has been particularly instrumental in circulating images and information about the post-election protests in Iran. Such networking tools reportedly helped organize protests in Moldova and the Ukraine and by activists in China.

Despite govt efforts to block social networking sites like Twitter and Youtube content is still being released via proxy servers. Information directly from citizen journalists are becoming critical as traditional reporters are barred from covering protests and their visas are expiring. (FT, NYT, CNN)  The US State Department requested that Twitter postpone its scheduled maintenance so that Iranians could maximize its services, however pro-government groups are also online. (NYT)