Google launches Digital Pasban to equip 200,000 Pakistani households with online safety tools

Profit reported that Google has introduced Digital Pasban in Pakistan, aiming to reach 200,000 households with online safety support. Google.org is providing $500,000 for the effort, which was showcased on Thursday during the Safe Raho with Google event. The programme is being carried out with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and several federal ministries.

Urdu-language material, including toolkits and instructional videos, will reach families through classrooms, broadcast channels, text alerts and partner drives. Family Link lets guardians control screen time and approve apps, while YouTube offers age-suitable content settings and break and bedtime prompts. Parents can also cap YouTube Shorts viewing, even at zero, and children aged 7 to 12 can learn about scams and passwords through the Interland game from Be Internet Awesome.

Families will also learn about Gemini, with safeguards that protect minors from harmful role-play and unsuitable material. Guided Learning, meanwhile, helps students work through hard subjects in steps, with questions and visual aids. Parent and guardian safety clinics will give families hands-on guidance and a chance to practise common digital risks. PTA Chairman Major General (Retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman said the scheme would support a safer online space, citing localised resources and engagement in schools.