ISLAMABAD: Google on Thursday launched Digital Pasban, an initiative aimed at equipping 200,000 households across Pakistan with Urdu-language tools to promote online safety, while committing $500,000 to digital citizenship and artificial intelligence safety programmes.
The company also said it is seeking long-term business relationships in Pakistan and had established an office in Karachi.The announcement was made by Wilson White, Google’s vice president for government affairs and public policy, at the launch of Digital Pasban at Beaconhouse School.
Google have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to strengthen awareness, digital safety and responsible use of online platforms among children, parents, teachers and caregivers across the country, reports Geo.
Under the MoU, the PTA and Google will collaborate on a child safety programme focused on awareness, education and capacity-building, equipping parents and teachers with practical tools and resources to help children navigate the digital world safely, the regulator said in a statement on Thursday.
Key initiatives include developing awareness content in English and local languages, conducting training programmes in educational institutions and supporting a nationwide outreach campaign to connect millions of families with localised online safety resources and tutorials.
Speaking on the occasion, PTA Chairman Maj Gen (r) Hafeez Ur Rehman highlighted the importance of collective efforts and stakeholder collaboration to protect children in an increasingly digital environment.
Member (Compliance & Enforcement) at the PTA Dr Khawar Siddique Khokhar emphasised the importance of promoting digital literacy and responsible use of online platforms to promote a safer digital environment for children and families in Pakistan.
“The collaboration reflects the PTA and Google’s shared commitment to empowering parents and teachers, enhancing digital awareness, and creating a safer and more secure online environment,” the statement added.
Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Frontier Markets Farhan Qureshi told journalists after the ceremony that per-capita investment in the digital sector was significantly higher than in other sectors, adding that Pakistan had considerable potential as a hub for content creators, game developers, freelancers and technology professionals.
“Pakistan is moving very fast and there is huge potential in the country,” he said.The PTA chairperson said complaints related to inappropriate and harmful content on social media had increased from about 100 to 500 a day, particularly in cases involving children.
He said Google has been the most compliant among platforms, addressing 88 per cent of complaints lodged by the regulator.The PTA chairman said strong enforcement is necessary, but preventive safeguards also needed to be put in place. He called for a more open and supportive approach to parenting, saying changing times required parents to adapt their approach to children.
He said connectivity and internet access are increasingly essential, while social media also has significant business potential.The recent spectrum auction in Pakistan will help address congestion and improve connectivity, he said.Rehman cited measures adopted in developed markets, including Australia and the EU, to regulate aspects of social media and protect users from harmful content.
He said Pakistan needs to make the digital environment safer for the next generation while ensuring that young people can benefit from positive uses of digital technology.Digital Pasban aims to reach 200,000 households with Urdu-language toolkits, instructional videos and practical training. The initiative brings together the PTA, Tech Valley, Beaconhouse School System, JazzWorld and other partners, with support from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, and the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination.
Google[dot]org is also committing $500,000 to expand digital citizenship and AI safety programmes across Pakistan. The funding will support local partners in providing young people and adults with tools to develop safer online habits and manage digital risks.
