Phoebe Gates Startup Draws Tracking Scrutiny
Bloomberg 2026-07-12 14:32:39
Context: Phoebe Gates' shopping startup, Phia, is under scrutiny for allegedly overwriting affiliate tracking cookies, potentially redirecting sales commissions from publishers and influencers. The issue has been acknowledged and fixed by Phia, but questions remain about the intentionality of the behavior and potential legal or financial consequences. This development has raised concerns about the startup's affiliate partnerships.
Key Facts
- Phoebe Gates' shopping startup, Phia, appears to have overwritten affiliate tracking cookies, potentially redirecting sales commissions from publishers and influencers without users intentionally engaging with the service.
- Phia has acknowledged the issue and taken steps to fix it, but questions remain over whether the behavior was intentional and what legal or financial consequences could follow for its affiliate partnerships.
- The scrutiny over Phia's actions was reported by Bloomberg technology editor Olivia Solon, who highlighted the potential implications of the startup's actions for its affiliate partnerships.