Media Watchdog Raises Data Privacy Concerns Over Google-Pakistan Deal

Islamabad-based media watchdog Freedom Network has expressed concerns over Google's recent partnership with the Pakistani government, particularly in regards to user privacy and data protection. In an open letter on September 16, the organization welcomed the agreements but highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the details.

Freedom Network demanded that Google and the government disclose the specifics of the agreements, including whether any provisions would remain confidential and under what legal framework. They questioned who would determine the confidentiality of certain information and the circumstances under which Pakistani authorities could request data about Google users.

The watchdog sought safeguards to protect journalists' Gmail, Google Drive, photos, YouTube accounts, and search-related information, as well as a commitment from Google not to remove content at the government's request. They emphasized that such requests should be subjected to transparent legal standards, allowing users to challenge decisions where legally possible.

Freedom Network also inquired about the storage location of Pakistani citizens' data under Pakistan's new data governance framework focused on data sovereignty and citizen rights. They called for an independent audit of Google's compliance with privacy and human rights safeguards in Pakistan, arguing that the government should not be solely responsible for oversight.