PTA Registers BIGO LIVE and Likee in Pakistan: What Changes for Users
PTA has registered BIGO LIVE and Likee under the 2021 online content rules through their local company, Bigo Service Pakistan.
BIGO LIVE and Likee PTA registration is now complete: the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has formally registered the live-streaming app BIGO LIVE and the short-video app Likee in Pakistan, it announced on 4 November 2026. Both apps are registered through their local company, Bigo Service Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.
PTA said the registration was done under the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021, which require large social media companies serving Pakistani users to register with the regulator.
BIGO LIVE and Likee PTA registration at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Apps | BIGO LIVE (live streaming), Likee (short videos) |
| Registered company | Bigo Service Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. |
| Regulator | Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) |
| Legal basis | Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules, 2021 |
| Announced | 4 November 2026 |
| Earlier registration | January 2022 (with Snack Video) |
What the 2021 online content rules require
The 2021 rules apply to “significant” social media companies, broadly those with large numbers of Pakistani users. They must register with PTA, keep a point of contact for the regulator, respond to requests to remove content that breaks Pakistani law, and run a complaint system for users. PTA said it wants to work with BIGO on content moderation, responsible use of the platforms and continued compliance with local laws.
Not the first registration
Bigo Service Pakistan was among the first companies to register under these rules. In January 2022 PTA gave it registration certificates for BIGO LIVE and Likee, along with Snack Video. BIGO LIVE was blocked in Pakistan in 2020 over content concerns and restored after the company agreed to moderate content. The new registration renews that formal relationship with the regulator.
What it means for users
- No ban: both apps remain available and registered. Users do not need to do anything.
- Faster complaints: there is now a formal channel between the apps and PTA for handling harmful or illegal content.
- Stricter moderation: expect more content to be removed or accounts restricted if they break local rules on vulgarity, hate speech or blasphemy.
- Parents: both apps let users send virtual gifts bought with real money. Check your child’s app settings and payment methods.
How to report content on BIGO LIVE or Likee
- Use the in-app report option on the video, live stream or profile.
- If the app does not act, file a complaint with PTA through its online complaint management system or the PTA mobile app, with a link and screenshots.
- For threats, blackmail or fraud, contact the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
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Which other platforms are registered with PTA?
PTA keeps a list of social media companies registered under the 2021 rules on its website. Snack Video was registered alongside BIGO LIVE and Likee in 2022. Larger global platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok deal with PTA through their own channels and regularly receive content removal requests from the regulator, as their transparency reports show. Registration does not make an app government-run; it only means the company has agreed to a formal process for complaints and legal compliance in Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
Is BIGO LIVE legal in Pakistan?
Yes. BIGO LIVE is registered with PTA under the 2021 online content rules.
Who owns BIGO LIVE and Likee in Pakistan?
Both are registered with PTA through Bigo Service Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.
Why do social media apps register with PTA?
The 2021 online content rules require large social media companies to register so PTA can deal with them on complaints and unlawful content.
Sources: PTA announcement, 4 November 2026; PTA: registration of social media companies; Geo News (January 2022).
