Serious allegations of fraud have surfaced regarding an online business linked to Phoebe Gates, daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The allegations center on a form of online advertising and commission fraud known as “cookie stuffing.”
According to the allegations, “Phia”—the startup founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni—utilized affiliate tracking codes in a manner that allowed the company to claim sales commissions even when users did not purchase products directly through them. This practice is known as “cookie stuffing.”
The allegations state that Phia’s browser extension would activate affiliate links associated with online stores without the user’s knowledge. Consequently, Phia could claim credit for the commission even if another individual or entity played the actual role in facilitating the sale.
Initially, Phia attributed the issue to a technical glitch. However, the allegations gained momentum following the release of further information and questions regarding internal communications. Recent reports indicate that investigations and debates are ongoing regarding whether Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni were aware of the matter for several months.
Phia has stated that the controversial feature was removed on July 7. The company announced plans to review transactions where commissions were incorrectly attributed to them and to issue refunds to the relevant brands and partners. Additionally, the company stated it would appoint a compliance officer to prevent such incidents in the future.
If proven, these allegations could lead to serious legal consequences under US federal law, potentially carrying a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years in certain cases. However, reports do not currently indicate that any formal criminal charges have been filed or penalties imposed against Phoebe Gates in connection with this incident.
Launched in 2025, Phia is an online shopping assistant platform that compares product prices across various websites and identifies discount codes. The fact that co-founder Phoebe Gates is the daughter of Bill Gates has sparked widespread international discussion regarding these allegations.
