TACKLING GLOBAL DIGITAL ACCESS CHALLENGES FOR ISLE OF MAN BUSINESSES

In 2024, Digital Isle of Man, in collaboration with Business Isle of Man, set out to address a pressing issue: the challenges that Isle of Man businesses face in accessing key global digital platforms. While digital commerce and online services are more critical than ever, many local businesses have encountered barriers preventing them from fully leveraging global digital tools.

Understanding the challenges

Some businesses and individuals in the Isle of Man have reported difficulty accessing the full range of services provided by major digital platforms. From payment gateways to e-commerce tools and advertising networks, these restrictions limit opportunities for growth and competitiveness.

To better understand the extent of the issue, Business Isle of Man conducted a survey in 2024 focused on businesses selling online. Digital Isle of Man and Business Isle of Man are working together to engage directly with global platforms and advocate for improved access. Some progress has already been made, and more work is underway.

Key digital access barriers

Several major platforms have been identified as presenting challenges for Isle of Man businesses. These include restrictions with accessing certain services and the reasons for this are not fully understood. Below are some of the most pressing issues.

Google Services

• Google Play Store: Isle of Man users report difficulties accessing the UK Play Store on Android devices, unlike Apple users who can seamlessly access the UK App Store.
• AdSense: Users are unable to create AdSense accounts for their actual location, and selecting the UK results in verification issues, making monetisation impossible.
• YouTube: Features like YouTube Premium, Music, channel memberships, and monetisation are unavailable, largely due to AdSense limitations.
• Google Pay: The Isle of Man is not recognised as an eligible region for online or in-app payments.
• Google Maps: Issues reported include inaccurate address data and the lack of embedded public transport information.

Payment Processing and E-Commerce Services

• Stripe: Isle of Man businesses are unable to register or operate accounts using local addresses.
• Shopify: Shopify Payments is unavailable to Isle of Man accounts. Other issues include limitations around currency, VAT, and pricing, which differs for Isle of Man customers compared to UK users.
• Etsy: Not available for Isle of Man sellers since 2021 due to restrictions with Etsy Payments, leading to account suspensions. Other historic issues with Isle of Man Company Registry numbers and VAT reported.
• GoCardless: Isle of Man not recognised as an eligible location to permit merchant accounts.
• PayPal: Isle of Man mobile numbers reportedly not accepted for verification.
• Amazon: Challenges for merchants as issues with KYC verification due to Amazon requiring UK Companies House documentation over Isle of Man company registry documents. In addition, Amazon does not accept Manx alcohol licence paperwork which is affecting food and drink merchants.
• eBay: Issues with company verification and payment gateway acceptance.
• Meta (Facebook & Instagram): Issues for businesses wishing to sell through these platforms as Facebook and Instagram shops unavailable as the Isle of Man is not a supported country.
• TikTok: Business accounts cannot set up a TikTok Shop, and local users cannot make purchases through TikTok.

Business Management/Software Platforms

• Sage: Isle of Man businesses must subscribe via a local firm to access Sage Payroll and Accounting, as standalone accounts are not eligible.
• Squarespace: Issues with company verification and payment gateway acceptance.
• Booking.com: Accommodation providers are unable to link to Isle of Man bank accounts, restricting usage.

Social Media and Digital Advertising

• Vimeo VOD: Independent filmmakers face monetisation challenges due to regional payment processing restrictions.

Additional Non-Commercial Issues

• Halfords: Isle of Man mobile numbers are not recognised, preventing order completion.
• Amazon Alexa: Unable to link Isle of Man mobile numbers, meaning local emergency call setup is not possible. However, this problem also exists for multiple UK mobile providers.

What’s being done?

Digital Isle of Man and Business Isle of Man are actively engaging with these global platforms to highlight the difficulties local businesses face. By gathering information and collaborating with government and industry partners, they aim to advocate for changes that will allow the Isle of Man to participate fully in the digital economy.

What can businesses do in the meantime?

• Provide feedback and report issues to either Digital Isle of Man or Business Isle of Man to help strengthen advocacy efforts.
• Appeal directly to platforms where relevant, reinforcing the demand for improved access.
• Keep an eye on our Global Digital Access web page for updates/changes on this topic.

The goal is clear: to ensure Isle of Man businesses have equal access to global digital platforms, enabling them to compete on a level playing field and thrive in the digital economy.