Internet-based communications are now a crucial source of information for citizens living in countries where press is censored and conflict is rife. news agencies across the globe, The new York Times, Le Monde and Al-Jazeera all rely on blog updates and twitter feeds to stay up to date in places where official information is controlled. The social media phenomenon is particularly relevant in the Middle east at the moment; Sondos Shabayek, a blogger from egypt, tell us about the importance of new media in communications. Chaired by Samir Elbahaie, Regional Policy & Foreign Affairs Manager for Google.