In today’s Digest, we cover Shopee and Meta teaming up on Instagram affiliates; the UK regulator targeting Apple and Google’s app store payment rules; and TAG demonetising World Cup pirate sites.

Shopee & Meta launch Instagram affiliates 

Shopee and Meta have launched Instagram affiliate partnerships for eligible creators across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brazil. The programme enables creators to link their Shopee affiliate accounts to Instagram professional profiles, allowing them to promote affiliate products through Reels and Feed posts while earning commissions on qualifying purchases.

The partnership also introduces new commerce features, including the ability to showcase multiple affiliate products in a single post, identified with shopping icons and “commission eligible” labels. In addition, Shopee and Meta are piloting an affiliate advertising solution in selected Southeast Asian markets, enabling Shopee sellers and brands to boost creator-generated affiliate content as clearly labelled paid promotions, further strengthening social commerce and creator monetisation across the region.

UK targets Apple & Google App Store fees

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has launched a consultation that could require Apple and Google to relax restrictions on how app developers direct users to alternative payment methods. The move is aimed at increasing competition, lowering costs for consumers and giving developers greater control over customer transactions.

At the centre of the proposal is the practice known as “steering”, which allows developers to inform users about payment options outside the companies’ app stores, potentially avoiding platform commissions. Apple currently prohibits such practices in the UK, while Google allows them only in limited circumstances.

The CMA said any fees charged by Apple or Google for enabling alternative payment routes should be lower than existing app store commissions. It added that the resulting savings are expected to benefit consumers through lower prices or to support further investment and innovation by developers.

TAG demonetises World Cup pirate sites

Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG) has announced a coordinated effort to cut advertising revenue flowing to websites illegally streaming the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding 1,376 pirate domains to its Pirate Domain Exclusion List. The list, compiled with input from industry partners and members of TAG’s AdSec Threat Exchange, has been shared with advertisers, agencies and other digital advertising intermediaries to prevent ad spend from reaching infringing sites.