Did AI shopping app Phia claim unearned affiliate sales through fake clicks? Europe took another step toward a social media ban for kids, and what are your plans for AI Appreciation Day? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 13, 2026 · 7 MIN

Did AI shopping app Phia claim unearned affiliate sales through fake clicks? Europe took another step toward a social media ban for kids, and what are your plans for AI Appreciation Day?

from Engadget News + Next · host Engadget

-According to multiple reports, the AI-powered shopping plugin Phia used a tactic known as cookie stuffing to attach its affiliate code to sales it didn't actually drive. -Across Europe, kids now spend four to six hours per day on social media, and almost 60 percent of them had experienced "socio-emotional development and susceptibility to mental health issues. -While we can acknowledge the impact that AI has made on society and industries so far, shouldn't we embrace the human experience instead of celebrating this AI slop of an excuse for a special day? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 13, 2026

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Did AI shopping app Phia claim unearned affiliate sales through fake clicks? Europe took another step toward a social media ban for kids, and what are your plans for AI Appreciation Day?

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