Amazon and Tiktok accused of dodging MP scrutiny over online shopping safety
Amazon and Tiktok have been accused of dodging parliamentary scrutiny over consumer safety, after MPs raised concerns about the tech giants’ reluctance to appear before a committee hearing next week. Liam Byrne, chair of the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) Committee, wrote to senior executives at both companies on Tuesday, warning that their unwillingness [...]
YouTube has expanded its Shopping affiliate program to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, enabling creators to tag products directly in their videos, Shorts, and live streams. This feature allows viewers to purchase products with a simple click, streamlining the shopping experience. The program begins with Amazon as the first affiliate partner, utilizing AI-powered tagging and TV QR-code checkouts.
Creators with over 500 subscribers in the YouTube Partner Program can now monetize their content by earning commissions on purchases made by viewers. Globally, over 40 billion hours of shopping-related content are watched on YouTube each year, and in June 2026 alone, millions of users in the Middle East & North Africa made shopping-related searches on the platform.
Viewers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE particularly value YouTube for its authentic product reviews and recommendations, with 86% trusting YouTube creators for product recommendations. This new program opens a significant opportunity for the creator economy, providing creators with a practical way to build their businesses and brands with a means to connect with highly engaged audiences.
Written by urgent.news from Wamda's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- YouTube launches shopping programme in UAE: How influencers can earn money with 500 subscribers thenationalnews.com
- YouTube allows in-video product sale for viewers in KSA, UAE and Egypt wamda.com
- YouTube launches Shopping affiliate programme in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt with Amazon partnership arabianbusiness.com
- Egypt approves military aid for Saudi economictimes.indiatimes.com
