History
The live streaming platform was officially launched in March 2016 and is available on both iOS and Android operating systems. [5] [6]
In November 2019, monthly active users of the company's apps reached over 350 million globally. [7]
In May 2020, Bigo Live launched a partnership with Bark, an online safety product, to keep kids safe online. [8]
In 2022, Bigo Live announced the launch of ‘Community,’ a new interactive feature that allows users to create and manage online communities, as well as post and share original content with other platform users who share similar interests. [9] [10]
On April 9, 2023, Bigo Live was removed globally from Apple’s App Store. The company did not publicly comment on the removal, and the application remained available on Google Play. Chinese media reports suggested the removal may have been related to non-compliance with advertising regulations. [11]
On 8 December 2024, the New York Times published a report on the use of live-streaming apps "downloaded from Apple and Google" for paid sexual exploitation of children, including Bigo Live. In a statement to the Times, the company said it had taken "appropriate action" on the cases mentioned in the Times article, "including account suspension and content removal". Bigo said it was "deeply committed to protecting user safety". [12] Bigo Live was removed from both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. The removal followed reporting by The New York Times that documented incidents of child abuse occurring on the platform and a federal investigation into it. [12]
Controversies
In 2020, CNN investigation reported that the short sellers estimated that about “90% of the revenue that Joyy/Bigo has reported from YY Live is fraudulent." CNN also reported that many of those paying users are actually computer bots that can be linked to Joyy’s internet servers. “Joyy is almost entirely fraudulent,” Muddy Waters founder Carson Block said to CNN, “Almost everything in terms of revenue, profits and paying users is fake.” [13]
In July 2020, Pakistan temporarily banned Bigo, and warned TikTok and YouTube over immoral, obscene, and vulgar content. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on society, particularly on youth. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority announced the lifting of the ban on 30 July 2020 following discussions and reassurances regarding content regulation. [14]
On 13 June 2021, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police arrested five people, including Bigo's Operation Manager, a Chinese national, in connection with allegations of money laundering and blackmail. They were charged under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Digital Security Act and Pornography Prevention Act. [14]
Over 1000+ verified users at Trust pilot alleged fraud, stolen funds, and also voiced concerns about moderation, inappropriate content, and the potential for scams. [15]
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