As international news agencies have been restricted from reporting on the daily Iranian protests, many (including CNN and the BBC) are now relying on social networking websites to determine what is happening in Tehran.

Services such as Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and Facebook are playing a crucial role in communication from protesters. Although the Iranian government has blocked access to some of social networks, people are still finding ways to work their way round these restrictions to post video and text updates.

The use of social network websites as a form of communication is continuing to gain importance, and now seems to be accepted by traditional media as a vital medium.

Sources:

• BBC News – Twitter responds on Iranian role