Google and Tech Valley Launch ‘Digital Sahafat’ for Pakistani Journalists

On September 4, 2024, Google and Tech Valley co-hosted a digital event to launch the “Digital Sahafat” program, an initiative aimed at equipping 1000 Pakistani journalists with the necessary skills and tools to combat misinformation, verify information, and enhance digital reporting capabilities.

The event, held at the Shamadan Hall in Serena Hotel Islamabad, brought together journalists from various news outlets, key government officials, and representatives from Google and Tech Valley. 

The event was initiated with a recitation and the national anthem. Kate Beddoe, Managing Director for News Partnerships at Google APAC, then took the stage to deliver the keynote address. Beddoe emphasized Google’s commitment to responsible innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform various industries, including journalism. She highlighted Google’s funding of several AI research initiatives specifically designed to explore the applications of AI in news production.

Beddoe further elaborated on Google’s three-pronged approach to supporting the news industry: programs, products, and partnerships. Google’s programs provide journalists with valuable training and resources, while its products, such as Pinpoint, empower news organizations to analyze large datasets and generate content insights. Finally, Google fosters partnerships with news organizations to help them leverage the latest advancements in technology.

Adeel Farhan, Google’s News Partner Manager, outlined the company’s free support for Pakistan’s news industry, including training, access to Google Analytics 4 for performance analysis, and the real-time “Trending News” feature, which updates every ten minutes.

Umer Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, outlined the company’s mission to equip young Pakistanis with digital skills for the global job market. He emphasized the importance of responsible digital literacy and highlighted the free resources available through the Digital Sahafat program.

Farooq explained the program’s two-phase approach. In the first phase, 40 master trainers from across Pakistan will undergo intensive online training led by Google. These trainers will then pass on their knowledge to train an additional 1,000 journalists in the second phase. The program targets not only journalists but also educators and students, acknowledging their key role in shaping the future of digital media in Pakistan.

Shaza Fatma Khawaja, Minister of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan, lauded Google’s initiative, acknowledging the critical need for journalists to adapt to the ever-changing digital media landscape. Fatma emphasized the double-edged sword of digital technologies, highlighting their potential to empower individuals but also the dangers of misuse.

Fatma stressed the importance of journalists using technology responsibly to combat the spread of misinformation. She underscored the potential consequences of disinformation, including economic disruption and damage to a country’s reputation. Fatma concluded by commending Google and Tech Valley for their commitment to promoting responsible journalism through the Digital Sahafat program.

Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, praised Google’s efforts in supporting Pakistan’s digital sector, stressing the importance of verification and authentication for accurate information. He highlighted tools like Google Lens for fostering a more informed digital society. Tarar also expressed confidence in the Digital Sahafat program’s role in bridging the digital divide, promoting tolerance, and combating extremism. He pledged government support and suggested collaborating with Tech Valley to extend the program to 2,000 journalists.

Fazal Ashfaq, Regional Head of News Partnerships at Google, concluded the event by reaffirming Google’s dedication to advancing digital journalism in Pakistan, highlighting initiatives like Digital Sahafat as part of their commitment.

After the speeches, shields were presented to all the speakers, followed by a group photo. The event wrapped up with refreshments and networking, providing attendees the opportunity to discuss future collaborations and share insights.

The Google Digital Sahafat event highlights the crucial role of journalists in a healthy democracy. By providing digital tools and promoting responsible information sharing, it aims to empower Pakistani journalists and enhance the quality of digital journalism in the country.