Google Digital Pasban Program: New Online Safety Initiative for Pakistani Families
ISLAMABAD: Google has launched a new national initiative in Pakistan called Digital Pasban (Guardian), aimed at helping parents and children use the internet more safely and responsibly.
The program was announced at Google’s “Be Internet Safe with Google” event and is designed to provide Pakistani families with practical knowledge, tools and guidance for navigating an increasingly digital world.
Under the initiative, Google plans to reach 200,000 households across Pakistan with digital safety toolkits, training videos and practical guidance available in Urdu. The program comes as internet use continues to grow among Pakistani families for education, entertainment, communication and everyday activities.
One of the key features of Digital Pasban is a free parental control system that allows parents to manage children’s screen time, approve applications, filter online content and locate connected devices. The program also includes age-appropriate settings for YouTube, along with features such as “Take a Break” and “Bedtime Reminder.”
Parents can also set limits on YouTube Shorts or disable the feature completely, helping children reduce distractions and focus on studies.
For children between 7 and 12 years old, Google is using its interactive game Interland to teach digital citizenship. The program focuses on important online safety principles, including protecting passwords, avoiding scams, sharing information carefully, treating others respectfully and reporting suspicious or concerning activity.
Digital Pasban also addresses the growing use of artificial intelligence. Google says its Gemini AI tool is being positioned as a learning resource, with safety protections for minors and guided learning features that help students understand difficult subjects step by step.
To expand awareness, Google plans to use television campaigns, SMS alerts, social media partnerships and school-based town hall sessions. Safety Clinics will also provide parents with interactive workshops where they can learn how to respond to common online risks.
The initiative is being implemented with support from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Tech Valley, Beaconhouse School System, Jazz World and HUM Network, along with several government ministries.
Google.org has also announced a $500,000 grant to support digital citizenship and AI safety programs in Pakistan.
The initiative builds on Google’s previous digital education efforts in the country, including training programs for hundreds of thousands of students and thousands of teachers.
