Phoebe Gates, daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is facing allegations of "cookie stuffing" with her shopping startup Phia. The accusations have resurfaced questions about her qualifications to lead a tech company, with former Stanford classmates reportedly describing her coding abilities as limited.
According to a report, Gates, 23, did not take advanced computer science classes at Stanford, as her human biology degree did not require them. A classmate told Page Six that Gates "did not have to take a single computer science class" and that any relevant coursework would have been focused on biological research. While Gates did take an applied artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship class that reportedly inspired Phia, her classmates stated she was not known as a strong coder.
Phia, which Gates co-founded with Stanford roommate Sophia Kianni, is accused of using a feature called "Auto Drop." This feature allegedly allowed the company to collect commissions on purchases by making it appear as though the company had directed shoppers to retailers, even when they had not. Leaked Slack messages reportedly show Kianni instructing engineers to keep the "cookies dropping," a term associated with "cookie stuffing."
Phia initially characterized the issue as a software bug. However, the Slack messages and other reporting suggest the feature was in place for months. The company has since disputed some findings, stating that the feature has been disabled and affected sales are under review.
Following the disabling of the "Auto Drop" feature in July, Phia's average daily revenue reportedly decreased significantly, from approximately $80,000 to between $10,000 and $28,000, according to Bloomberg. Experts have suggested that Gates and Kianni could face civil lawsuits and financial penalties if the claims are proven, although not necessarily significant jail time.
Sophia Kianni also reportedly did not take formal computer science classes at Stanford, with her coursework focused on Science, Technology and Society. A representative for Kianni confirmed she did not take computer science classes. Stanford University and Gates have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.