Freedom Network raised concerns over data privacy and potential government surveillance following Google’s expanded partnership with the Pakistani government, calling for greater transparency over agreements and safeguards for users’ personal information.

The organisation welcomed Google’s recent opening of an office in Pakistan and signing of multiple memoranda of understanding and said the agreements could support the country’s digital economy, but expressed concern about these agreements not being made public.

Freedom Network questioned whether any request for information about Google users by Pakistani authorities will require valid legal process and judicial oversight, and whether Google will reject requests that are overly broad, vague or infringe on fundamental rights.

The organisation expressed particular concern regarding the protection of journalists and if any protection or safeguards were there against government access to Gmail, Google Drive, Photos, YouTube accounts and other data that could reveal journalistic sources.

It also addressed content removal and online censorship, urging Google to assess government requests for blocking or removal under transparent legal standards and provide users with an opportunity to contest such decisions.

The watchdog further questioned whether Pakistani users’ data would be stored within Pakistan, abroad or both, and called for transparency about who can access such information. It also questioned whether an independent audit of Google’s compliance with privacy and human rights standards in Pakistan, saying such oversight should not rest solely with the government.