BIGO LIVE and Likee Are Now Officially Registered in Pakistan: What It Means for Users

Two of Pakistan's most popular social apps just got their official paperwork sorted.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has formally registered BIGO LIVE and Likee in the country, according to an announcement on Wednesday. Both platforms are registered under Bigo Service Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., the local company that operates the two apps.

Registered Under Pakistan's Content Rules

The registration falls under the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021—a set of regulations that requires major social media companies operating in Pakistan to register with the authority.

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In simpler terms: the apps now have a formal, legal presence in Pakistan, and the regulator knows exactly who's running them.

The PTA said it looks forward to working more closely with BIGO to strengthen content moderation, encourage responsible use, and ensure the platforms stay compliant with local laws. The regulator called the move an important step in building a safer online space for Pakistani users.

This Isn't Actually the First Time

Here's a detail worth noting: BIGO Service Pakistan was one of the very first companies to register with the PTA under these same rules back in January 2022.

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At the time, it received registration certificates for BIGO LIVE and Likee—along with Snack Video. So why is this being announced now? The latest move appears to formalize the registration under the current regulatory framework, reaffirming the company's compliance status as the PTA tightens its oversight of social media platforms.

What This Means for Users

For everyday users, the practical impact is straightforward: there's now a formal channel between the apps and the regulator for handling complaints and removing content that breaks Pakistani law.

It also signals that the PTA is keeping a closer eye on major platforms. Just look at TikTok—the app has already removed over 23 million videos from Pakistan for violating its rules. With BIGO LIVE and Likee now officially registered, they can expect similar scrutiny.

The Bigger Picture

Pakistan's social media landscape is becoming more regulated by the month. Registration under the 2021 rules isn't just a formality—it's a commitment to local compliance, content moderation, and cooperation with regulators.

For BIGO and Likee, the registration is a stamp of legitimacy. For users, it's a reminder that the content they see and post is subject to local laws.