- Farah Mehjabeen
- November 5, 2026
BIGO LIVE, Likee get formal registration in Pakistan
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- WEB DESK
- November 5, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has formally registered two popular social media platforms, BIGO LIVE and Likee, in Pakistan under Bigo Service Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, bringing their operations under the country’s regulatory framework for online content.
According to a statement issued by the telecom regulator, the registration was completed under the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021.
The PTA said it looked forward to strengthening its collaboration with BIGO to improve content moderation mechanisms, promote responsible use of the platforms and ensure continued compliance with Pakistan’s applicable laws.
The authority described the development as an important step towards providing users with a safer and more responsible digital environment through greater engagement with major social media companies.
The registration places both platforms under a common local company, Bigo Service Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, which will serve as the registered entity for regulatory engagement in Pakistan.
The PTA, however, did not provide details of any new content moderation measures, changes to the platforms’ operations or a timeline for their implementation.
What are BIGO LIVE and Likee?
Although both applications are operated under Singapore-based BIGO Technology, they serve different purposes.
BIGO LIVE is primarily a live-streaming platform, while Likee focuses on creating, editing and sharing short-form videos.
According to BIGO Technology’s official website, the company was founded in Singapore in 2014 and launched BIGO LIVE in 2016 and Likee in 2017. It operates video-based products and services in more than 150 countries and regions.
BIGO LIVE is a global social live-streaming application that allows users to broadcast videos in real time, interact with audiences and showcase their talents.
The platform enables users to host live broadcasts featuring singing, dancing, gaming, talk shows and informal conversations.
Viewers can interact with broadcasters through comments, likes and virtual gifts, which can be purchased within the application. Broadcasters can convert eligible virtual gifts into platform earnings, subject to the company’s rules, applicable conditions and withdrawal arrangements.
The platform also offers multi-guest live streams, allowing several users to participate in a broadcast simultaneously, as well as gaming and interactive entertainment features.
According to the company’s official website, BIGO LIVE has more than 700 million users globally and operates in over 150 countries and regions. These are company-reported figures rather than independently audited user statistics.
Likee is a short-form video creation and sharing platform that allows users to produce, edit and publish videos using music, filters, visual effects and other editing tools.
Launched in July 2017, the application was developed by Singapore-based BIGO Technology and is available on Android and iOS devices.
Similar in format to TikTok and other short-video applications, Likee allows users to browse personalised video feeds, follow content creators, interact through likes and comments, and share their own videos.
Its editing tools include special effects, filters, music, stickers and augmented reality (AR) features, enabling users to create customised videos without requiring professional editing software.
The platform also offers social and community features through which users can discover content based on their interests and interact with other creators.
BIGO Technology describes Likee as its global short-video creation platform and says it has more than 100 million users worldwide.
Singapore headquarters, Pakistani registration
Despite their registration in Pakistan, the parent company behind both applications is based in Singapore.
BIGO Technology Pte Ltd lists its corporate headquarters at Mapletree Business City, 30 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore. Its official corporate information says it has more than 30 offices and six research and development centres worldwide.
The registration of the two platforms in Pakistan is therefore a regulatory arrangement through a locally registered company and does not mean that their international headquarters have moved to Pakistan.
Earlier registration in 2022
The latest announcement also comes against the backdrop of an earlier registration process.
On January 14, 2022, the PTA announced that BIGO Service Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, representing BIGO LIVE and Likee, had registered with the authority under the same 2021 rules. The company was among the first social media businesses to receive registration certificates, alongside Joyo Technology Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, which operates SnackVideo.
The registration certificates were awarded at a ceremony at PTA headquarters in Islamabad.
The PTA’s November 4 announcement does not explain whether the latest development involves a renewal, updated registration or a fresh regulatory arrangement. The authority has also not publicly detailed what additional obligations or changes, if any, have resulted from the latest announcement.
Nevertheless, its emphasis on closer cooperation with BIGO over content moderation and compliance signals continued regulatory engagement with the company and its platforms.
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