Protesters use Microblogging Tools to Make Their Voices Heard in New Ways

• In Event: Freedom of Expression "Under Control"

Abstract

In this paper the use of Twitter as a tool for social protesters is examined. In particular, the post-election protests in the summer of 2009 in Iran and in the spring of 2009 in Moldova and the fall 2009 protests surrounding the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are presented. Twitter use among protesters indeed presents autocratic governments with new challenges in suppressing political dissent.

Author

• Lindsay Ems, Indiana University