Islamabad-based media watchdog Freedom Network has called on Google and the Pakistan government to disclose safeguards surrounding their recent partnership, particularly regarding user privacy, surveillance and access to personal data.
In an open letter issued on September 16, Freedom Network welcomed the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between Google and the government following the company’s decision to open an office in Pakistan. However, it raised concerns over the lack of publicly available details about the agreements.
The watchdog asked what exactly had been agreed between Google and the government and whether the memorandums, agreements, contracts and other arrangements would be made public. It also questioned who would decide whether any provisions should remain confidential and under what law.
Freedom Network sought clarification on whether the agreements contain any undisclosed commitments concerning access to user data, content, metadata or government databases. It also asked under what circumstances Pakistani authorities could request information about Google users and whether such requests would require valid legal processes and judicial oversight.
The watchdog specifically sought safeguards protecting journalists’ Gmail, Google Drive, photos, YouTube accounts, search-related information and other data that could reveal confidential sources.
Freedom Network also asked Google to commit to not removing content solely because a government agency requests it. It said requests to block or remove content should instead be assessed under transparent legal standards, with users receiving notice and an opportunity to challenge decisions where legally possible.
The media watchdog also raised questions about where Pakistani citizens’ data would be stored as the country develops a national data governance framework focused on data sovereignty, minimum disclosure and citizens’ right to know who has accessed their information.
“Will Pakistani users’ data be stored in Pakistan, overseas, or both?” Freedom Network asked, while calling for an end to any informal or undocumented data sharing arrangements between Google and the government.
The watchdog also asked who would independently audit Google’s compliance with privacy and human rights safeguards in Pakistan, arguing that the government alone should not be responsible for such oversight.
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