What is the role of the internet in a democracy?

We are living in the Digital Age and in the same way that the internet can transform economies by allowing companies to work more efficiently, it can also change the relationship between governments and citizens - for the better.

The increased involvement of people in political debate is evident on an even greater scale on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The internet allows for greater freedom of expression, facilitating citizens' ability to challenge and criticise: a basic democratic right. These social media sites also have the power to actually bring democracy about - the Egyptian Revolution 2011 being a prime example.