Google $500,000 initiative to boost online safety for Pakistani families

Google has announced a $500,000 investment to help Pakistani families use the internet more safely, with a new initiative targeting 200,000 households across the country.

The funding from Google.org will support Digital Pasban, which will provide families with Urdu-language safety toolkits, educational videos and parental workshops. The programme will also help children and adults develop healthier online habits and respond confidently to digital risks.

Digital Pasban targets 200,000 households

The initiative comes as Google expands its long-term presence in Pakistan. The company opened its first local office in Karachi earlier this week, nearly four years after registering in the country.

Google said Digital Pasban will work with local partners to deliver practical resources for families. The programme will focus on online threats such as cyberbullying, grooming and exposure to inappropriate content.

Wilson White, Google’s vice president for public policy, said parents and children need to move from “digital anxiety” towards greater confidence when using online platforms.

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Meanwhile, Farhan Qureshi, Google’s cluster director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and frontier markets, said the Karachi office could strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy.

He highlighted opportunities for Pakistani content creators, game developers, freelancers and technology professionals. According to Qureshi, the country has significant potential as digital adoption continues to grow.

Google and PTA strengthen child safety efforts

Following the investment announcement, Google and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen online safety for children.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will promote digital safety and responsible internet use among children, parents, teachers and caregivers. They will also collaborate on education and capacity-building programmes.

PTA Chairman retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman stressed the need for cooperation among government bodies, technology companies, educators and families.

He said the authority receives around 500 complaints every day involving inappropriate content and harmful online activities targeting children.

“Enforcement has to be strong, but preventive safeguards are needed,” he said, while stressing that Pakistan should continue expanding internet access and digital opportunities.

The PTA chairman also pointed to growing international efforts to introduce age restrictions on social media platforms. He said Pakistan must balance the benefits of internet access with stronger safeguards against harmful online content.

Google sees wider digital potential

Google officials said the Karachi office will oversee business development and encourage more people to use digital platforms for learning, creativity and communication.

The company’s investment also reflects its broader efforts to build a stronger digital ecosystem in Pakistan. Through Digital Pasban and its partnership with the PTA, Google aims to give families practical tools to navigate the online world more safely.