Phia Accused of ‘Cookie Stuffing’ to Claim Unearned Affiliate Commissions
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Phia, a shopping startup co-founded by Phoebe Gates (daughter of Bill Gates) and Sophia Kianni, is facing allegations of engaging in “cookie stuffing,” a deceptive practice that allowed the company to claim affiliate commissions on sales it did not actually drive. According to a Bloomberg investigation, Phia’s browser extension or website may have injected affiliate tracking cookies into users’ browsers without their knowledge, thereby taking credit for purchases made on other sites. The practice, if confirmed, could violate affiliate program terms and potentially consumer protection laws. Phia has not yet issued a public response to the allegations.
TechnoVibes Opinion
While affiliate marketing is a legitimate way for startups to generate revenue, tactics like cookie stuffing erode consumer trust and harm the entire ecosystem. If Phia is found to have knowingly used such methods, it risks not only legal repercussions but also the goodwill of its user base. Transparency and ethical practices are essential for any tech company, especially one with high-profile founders.
Original source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/10/phia-accused-of-cookie-stuffing-taking-affiliate-credit-on-purchases-it-didnt-earn/
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