Media watchdog raises data privacy concerns over Google-Pakistan deal

ISLAMABAD: The media watchdog Freedom Network has expressed concerns over Google's partnership with the Pakistani government, calling for safeguards to ensure that the tech giant's involvement strengthens the country's digital economy without enabling surveillance or censorship. The organization welcomed the signing of memoranda of understanding and agreements but questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the details of these deals.

Freedom Network urged Google and the government to publish all memoranda, agreements, contracts, or other arrangements and revealed doubt over undisclosed commitments regarding user data access. They asked about the circumstances under which Pakistani authorities could request information about Google users, emphasizing the need for valid legal processes and judicial oversight.

The watchdog also questioned whether Google would reject overly broad, vague, or rights-inconsistent requests, and sought assurances that content would not be removed merely upon government request. Furthermore, Freedom Network inquired about data storage, demanding clarity on whether user data would remain in Pakistan, overseas, or a combination of both.

They demanded an independent audit of Google's compliance with privacy and human rights safeguards in Pakistan, questioning whether the government would undertake such a task.