Phoebe Gates’ shopping app, Phia, co-founded with Sophia Kianni, is responding to revelations about how it earns commissions from online purchases. Multiple reports say the company acknowledges it earned commissions tied to sales it did not drive directly. The app is now offering refunds to brands following the findings. One investigation described the browser extension as opening a hidden tab during the checkout process and replacing or supplying its own affiliate code. As a result, Impact.com has suspended Phia from its marketplace, according to reporting. Phia says the behavior is due to a bug, while other parties dispute that characterization. Edelman, cited in one report, says the feature shipped in December 2025, suggesting the behavior may not be limited to an isolated incident. The reports collectively describe an app and extension that change affiliate tracking at checkout, prompting platform action and refunds.