The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Google on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen child online safety and promote safer use of digital platforms, according to a press release issued by PTA.

The MoU comes days after Google opened its first office in Pakistan, with the company saying the move reflected its confidence in the country’s digital future and talent. Google has also partnered with the government on digital-skilling programmes and other initiatives supporting developers, startups, gaming, hardware manufacturing and online safety.

Under the agreement, the two organisations agreed to collaborate on a child safety programme focused on “awareness, education and capacity-building”, the PTA said in a press release.

The programme would equip parents and teachers with practical tools and resources to help children navigate the digital world safely. It would also include developing awareness content in English and local languages, training programmes in educational institutions and support for a nationwide outreach campaign connecting millions of families with localised online safety resources and tutorials.

PTA Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman said the initiative highlighted “the importance of active efforts and stakeholder collaboration to protect children in an increasingly digital environment”.

PTA Member (Compliance & Enforcement) Dr Khawar Siddique Khokhar said the agreement emphasised “the importance of promoting digital literacy and responsible use of online platforms” to create a safer digital environment for children and families in Pakistan.

The PTA said the collaboration reflected its and Google’s “shared commitment to empowering parents and teachers, enhancing digital awareness, and creating a safer and more secure online environment”.

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Google expanded its engagement with Pakistan in recent years through digital-skilling, artificial intelligence, app development and online-safety initiatives, as well as support for local technology businesses. The company opened its first office in Pakistan on Wednesday, with the government saying its presence would help strengthen the country’s technology ecosystem and attract further international investment. It has also worked with the government on digital security and online safety.

On Tuesday, a senior Google delegation met Minister of Interior for State Talal Chaudhry to discuss digital security, countering terrorism through social media, the timely removal of harmful online content and greater cooperation. Chaudhry urged Google to take Pakistan’s “specific circumstances” into account, while the company said it would continue working with the government to help ensure a safe digital environment.

Google’s partnership with Pakistan has also included skills development. The government said around 350,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships had been completed since 2022, while Google-backed developer groups had reached hundreds of thousands of developers. Other initiatives have focused on AI, gaming, app development, online safety and the training of public officials.