Sinn Féin has urged European Union chiefs to protect people from Internet corruption by paedophiles and racists.
Ms Bairbre de Brún issued the call after the European Parliament backed a report by Dutch MEP Edith Mastenbrooek calling for the EU to play a greater role in promoting safe internet use.
"These technologies also provide a great boost to free speech and independent discussion and debate fora," Ms de Brún said.
"However there are also clearly dangers associated with the use of these technologies to transmit unwanted and indeed illegal material. Of particular concern is the danger posed by the child pornography business. The nature of Internet and mobile phone technology make these global issues, which need a global response."
Ms Mastenbrooek's report recommended using hotlines to fight illegal content in all 25 member states, and tackling unwanted and harmful content by funding filtering technologies. It also recommended more initiatives to raise public awareness of dangerous material on the internet.
"I is incumbent on the EU and national governments to support and resource the proposals outlined in Ms Mastenbrooek's report," Ms de Brún said.
PA