Watchdog questions Google-Pakistan data safeguards

ISLAMABAD: A media rights watchdog has raised concerns over data privacy following Google’s recent agreements and cooperation with the Pakistan government.

Freedom Network has written an open letter to Google and the government. It has sought details about the safeguards included in the agreements.

The watchdog said the partnership could help strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy. However, it stressed that the cooperation should not lead to surveillance, censorship or unrestricted access to citizens’ personal information.

Google recently expanded its presence in Pakistan and signed memoranda of understanding and other agreements with the government. The company also opened an office in the country as part of its efforts to support Pakistan’s digital development.

Freedom Network welcomed these developments. However, it said important details of the agreements had not been made public.

The organisation asked what exactly had been agreed between Google and the government. It also questioned whether all MoUs, contracts, agreements and other arrangements would be published.

The watchdog said there should be a clear legal basis if any part of an agreement is kept confidential. It asked who would make such a decision and under which law.

Freedom Network also raised questions about possible access to users’ data. It asked whether the agreements contain any undisclosed commitments involving personal information, online content, metadata or government databases.

The watchdog specifically asked about requests from Pakistani authorities for information about Google users.

It questioned whether every such request would require a valid legal process. It also asked whether judicial oversight would be necessary before authorities could obtain user information.

Freedom Network further asked whether Google would reject requests that are too broad or vague. It also questioned whether the company would refuse requests that conflict with fundamental rights.

The watchdog expressed particular concern about journalists and their confidential sources.

It asked whether the agreements contain clear safeguards against government access to journalists’ Gmail accounts, Google Drive files, photos and YouTube accounts.

It also raised concerns about search-related information and other data that could identify confidential sources.

Freedom Network said journalists often rely on digital services to communicate with sources. It therefore called for strong privacy protections for information that could expose those sources.

The watchdog also raised concerns about content removal and online censorship.

It urged Google not to remove content simply because a government agency makes a request.

Instead, it called for blocking or removal requests to be assessed under clear and transparent legal standards.

The organisation also said users should be informed when action is taken against their content, where legally possible.

It further called for users to have an opportunity to challenge such decisions.

Another major issue highlighted by Freedom Network was the location of Pakistani users’ data.

The watchdog asked Google whether citizens’ information would be stored in Pakistan, overseas or in both locations.

The question comes as Pakistan continues to develop its national data-governance framework.

Freedom Network said data protection should include data sovereignty and minimum disclosure. It also stressed that citizens should have the right to know who has accessed their information.

The watchdog warned against informal arrangements between Google and the government.

It said there should be no undocumented or unofficial system for sharing citizens’ information.

Freedom Network also questioned who would independently monitor Google’s compliance with privacy and human-rights standards in Pakistan.

The organisation said oversight should not rest solely with the government.

It called for an independent mechanism to examine whether privacy safeguards are being followed.

The concerns come as Google increases its engagement with Pakistan through digital initiatives and government partnerships.

Freedom Network said greater transparency would help build public confidence in the cooperation.

It maintained that technological development and economic opportunities should go hand in hand with strong protections for privacy, freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.