Google has announced a $500,000 investment to support Google digital safety Pakistan efforts and help Pakistani families use the Internet safely. The funding will support the Digital Pasban initiative, which aims to teach families about online safety. The programme plans to reach 200,000 households. Families will receive safety toolkits and Urdu-language videos. Parents will also have access to online safety workshops.
Google Commits $500,000 to Pakistan’s Digital Safety Initiative
This investment follows the expansion of Google Pakistan mobile apps and gaming efforts in the country. The search giant recently opened its office in Karachi, almost four years after registering in Pakistan. According to Google, the new office is also an important step in its long-term work with Pakistan.
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and frontier markets, said the office will help more people use digital tools for education, work, and business. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strong potential in areas such as content creation, game development, freelancing, and technology.
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Google and PTA Plan Child Safety Programme
Google and PTA have also entered into a memorandum of understanding. This memorandum seeks to enhance the safety and awareness of the internet among children, parents, teachers, and carers. Both organizations will collaborate in the development of a child safety program. The program focuses on training and education to help people use online platforms safely and responsibly.
PTA Highlights Need for Online Safety
PTA Chairman, retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman, stressed the need for cooperation to protect children online. Meanwhile, Google Wallet for kids is also focused on helping parents manage safer digital experiences for children. The PTA gets about 500 complaints per day about child-related issues on the Internet.
He said strong action is important, but prevention is also needed. He also noted that the Internet offers many business opportunities. People should not face restrictions, but authorities should ensure its safe and responsible use.
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According to Wilson White of Google, the internet can pose challenges for both parents and their kids since certain risks cannot easily be detected. The family needs to have that balance between using the internet and staying secure.
Digital Pasban helps parents and children use the Internet with confidence. It aims to reduce fear and promote safer online habits. Through basic knowledge, tools and training, the program hopes to make Pakistanis safer online. News source eTimes Pakistan.
