Why Facebook Monitization Tools Remain Disable in Papua New Guinea ?

Why Facebook Monetization Tools Remain Disabled in Papua New Guinea?

The ongoing absence of Facebook’s monetization tools in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is more than just a frustrating inconvenience for local content creators; it reflects a complex interplay of commercial realities, regulatory gaps, and technical challenges. The reasons outlined—commercial, regulatory, and technical—are valid starting points, but they deserve deeper examination. A critical analysis reveals not only why these obstacles exist but also what PNG must address to unlock the economic opportunities tied to the global digital economy.

1. Commercial Considerations: The Economics of Scale and Market Prioritization

Meta’s decision to withhold monetization tools from PNG is driven first by the logic of profit. Facebook and Instagram monetization programs—such as in-stream ads, stars, and branded content partnerships—are expensive to deploy and maintain. PNG’s population, estimated at around 10–11 million, is relatively small compared to neighboring markets like Indonesia (280+ million) or the Philippines (118+ million). Even within the Pacific, countries like Australia and New Zealand offer stronger advertising demand and higher per-capita purchasing power.

From a commercial standpoint, Meta invests where advertising return on investment (ROI) is high and stable. PNG’s advertising market remains underdeveloped: digital ad spend is minimal, broadband penetration is uneven, and local businesses allocate small budgets to online ads. Without a robust domestic ad ecosystem, Meta sees limited short-term financial incentive to launch tools such as in-stream ads or Fan Subscriptions.

However, this “small market” reasoning can be critiqued. A nation’s size should not be the sole determinant of access to monetization. Digital platforms have the power to create markets, not just respond to them. By enabling monetization, Meta could stimulate PNG’s digital economy, attract advertisers, and encourage high-quality content creation that, in turn, draws audiences and spending. Waiting for the market to mature before investing may create a self-reinforcing cycle of neglect: no monetization means fewer professional creators, which means slower growth in digital advertising demand.

2. Regulatory Barriers: Taxation, Financial Oversight, and Compliance

The second reason—regulatory preparedness—is particularly significant. Monetization tools require reliable systems for tax collection, anti-money-laundering (AML), and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). PNG has made strides in financial governance, but gaps remain.

• Taxation: Monetization payouts would require creators and Meta to comply with local tax laws. PNG’s tax enforcement in the digital economy is still evolving, and mechanisms to track and tax small digital incomes are weak.

• AML/CTF: Meta must ensure that money flowing through its platforms cannot be exploited for illicit activities. PNG’s history of banking de-risking, where global banks have sometimes cut ties with local institutions due to perceived AML risks, adds to Meta’s caution.

• Data Privacy and Digital Identity: Effective digital finance demands reliable identity verification to prevent fraud and money laundering. PNG has lagged in implementing a universal, secure digital ID that integrates with financial systems.

The statement notes that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is working with the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) to introduce a Digital ID System, and that a Digital ID Policy has already been endorsed by Cabinet. This is a positive step. But it must be matched by legislation and enforcement: robust data privacy laws, cybersecurity measures, and clear tax policies for digital income. Without these, Meta faces reputational and legal risks if it begins transferring money to creators without sufficient safeguards.

Still, it is important to critique whether Meta is applying a double standard. Other developing countries with comparable regulatory challenges—such as some in Africa and Southeast Asia—already have partial access to monetization. Meta has previously launched tools in markets where tax collection is imperfect. This suggests that while regulation is a legitimate concern, it is also a convenient shield for commercial hesitation.

3. Technical Constraints: Payments, eKYC, and Infrastructure

The third reason—technical limitations—highlights practical barriers. Facebook typically pays creators through established global systems like PayPal, Stripe, or direct bank transfers. In PNG, these channels are either limited or inaccessible:

• PayPal is not fully supported for receiving funds locally.

• Stripe and similar services are absent.

• Local banks face high compliance costs and limited integration with international payment networks.

Moreover, eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) systems—vital for verifying identities digitally—are underdeveloped. Without automated verification, payouts could be delayed or exploited. And PNG’s patchy internet infrastructure exacerbates the challenge. While urban centers like Port Moresby and Lae enjoy reasonable 4G coverage, rural areas lag far behind. A monetization rollout that excludes rural creators would deepen digital inequality.

However, technical hurdles are not insurmountable. Neighboring Pacific nations with similar infrastructural issues—like Fiji or Samoa—have managed partial PayPal functionality and digital creator payments. The difference lies in coordinated government action and partnerships with global payment providers. PNG’s slow progress on enabling PayPal or alternative fintech solutions is a critical bottleneck.

4. Policy Efforts: Progress and Limitations

The government’s efforts deserve recognition. The Digital ID Policy, endorsed by Cabinet and piloted by DICT and BPNG, is a key enabler. A reliable digital identity system could underpin secure payments and AML compliance. Additionally, the fact that senior DICT officers met with Meta shows that the government is actively negotiating for access.

Yet, as the statement itself concedes, a “broad roadmap for monetization” remains missing. This roadmap must be more than a technical document—it should be a national digital economy strategy that coordinates ministries, banks, telecoms, and private-sector stakeholders. Key priorities should include:

• Negotiating with PayPal, Wise, and other global payment providers to enable local payout options.

• Passing data protection and digital taxation laws aligned with global standards.

• Incentivizing local telecoms and ISPs to expand affordable, high-speed internet.

• Supporting local creators through training, grants, and incubators to build a pipeline of monetizable content.

Without such a strategy, individual initiatives like the Digital ID pilot will remain fragmented and slow.

5. Broader Implications: Missed Opportunities for PNG

The inability to monetize on Facebook and Instagram has tangible consequences:

• Economic Loss: PNG creators miss out on income streams available to peers in other nations. At a time when global digital content creation is booming, PNG risks being left behind.

• Brain Drain: Talented creatives may migrate to countries with better digital economies, depriving PNG of cultural and economic capital.

• Reduced Global Visibility: Monetization tools encourage high-quality content, which in turn attracts global attention and investment. Without them, PNG’s digital narrative remains underdeveloped.

These consequences are especially significant for youth empowerment. Over 60% of PNG’s population is under 25. Social media monetization could provide a pathway for young people to turn creativity into income, reducing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.

Conclusion: Toward a Digital Future

The disabling of Facebook monetization tools in Papua New Guinea is the result of intertwined commercial, regulatory, and technical factors—but these factors are neither inevitable nor permanent. While Meta’s market-driven logic and risk-aversion explain its caution, the PNG government has a responsibility to accelerate reforms.

A national digital economy roadmap, fast-tracked implementation of the Digital ID system, negotiations with payment providers like PayPal, and stronger tax and privacy legislation are crucial next steps. At the same time, Meta should recognize its role not merely as a profit-seeking corporation but as a global platform with the power to stimulate economic development in emerging markets.

In short, Facebook monetization in PNG is not just a technical feature; it is a gateway to economic opportunity, youth empowerment, and cultural visibility. Delays—whether due to commercial caution or regulatory inertia—risk widening the digital divide. The recent meeting between DICT and Meta is a welcome sign, but the real test will be in translating discussions into action. For Papua New Guinea’s creators and entrepreneurs, the question is no longer why monetization is absent but when and how these barriers will finally be overcome.