Sudan's ruling National Congress Party has warned that its "cyber jihadists" will "crush" internet-based dissent.
It follows an increase in anti-government campaigns organised on Facebook and Twitter.Vice-president in Khartoum state, Mandur Al-Mahdi warned opposition groups that its "cyber battalion" was leading "online defence operations".
The country saw anti-government street protests in January.
The government, which seized power in a military coup in 1989, is concerned about uprisings similar to those seen across the Middle East and North Africa.
It reacted violently to street protests organised by opposition parties, detaining many activists.
In the run-up to the January protests, supporters of the NCP posted messages on the Facebook pages of dissidents, warning them against joining in.
So far the protests, organised by groups from Sudan's Darfur region, have failed to attract mass popularity.
Despite the NCP's threat, there is little evidence regarding the size or nature of the cyber battalion, or if it even exists.
In July 2010, oil-producing South Sudan became independent of the north.
Its ruling party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement has since accused President Omar al-Bashir of plotting to overthrow the southern government.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12829808
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