Abstract: A Web-based audio-only or audio/video conferencing system designed for use by individual participants in a conference. In one embodiment one participant in the system is designated the ‘moderator’. The moderator accepts requests to transmit made by other conference participants and is responsible for granting and revoking requests. All conference participants receive streams transmitted by other conference participants (passive participation). Once permission to transmit is granted to a participant, the participant may choose to transmit at his or her discretion (active participation). The moderator always has the ability to transmit at his or her own discretion.