Google/Fitbit merger: more scrutiny from the EU Commission

Achieved Result

Following PI’s submissions and expert evidence, the European Commission (EC) has launched an in-depth investigation of the Google/Fitbit merger. As a result of our continuous engagement with the EC, we expect clear safeguards from Google that this transaction will not be another opportunity for big tech to abuse our most sensitive data for profit.

Key points

Instead of giving a green light to the Google/Fitbit merger, the EU commission will be scrutinising the merger in a 'Phase II' investigation.
PI has been granted interested third person status, which will allow us to make further submissions in the course of the 'Phase II' investigation.
The EU commission now has until December 9, 2020, to make their final call.

News & Analysis

Post date

6th August 2020

No doubt this is turning out to be a summer full of news about internet companies' digital dominance.

In June, Google notified the European Commission of its plan to acquire Fitbit - a plan that we immediately identified would raise grave concerns for our well-being as consumers.

Today the European Commission has made its decision. And it's good news.

The European regulator has decided to undertake a detailed 'Phase 2' investigation, rather than just green light Google's plans, voicing also the concerns that we and others have raised.

What is really positive is that the European Commission are deepening their investigation DESPITE Google's pledge a few weeks ago that they would not use any Fitbit data for digital advertising - a concern we had directly put to the Commission.

And there's more good news. We are pleased to announce that PI has been granted interested third person status. This means that we will have the opportunity to make further submissions before the European regulator.

The European Commission will now have until the 9th of December to make its final call. In the meantime, the Australian regulator, which is also scrutinising the merger and before which we've also made submissions, is expected to reach a decision next week.

Learn more

What the Surveillance-Exploitation Complex Does

Data Exploitation

Health Data

Competition and Data

Our campaign

The Google/Fitbit merger - NOT ON OUR WATCH!

Our legal action

European Commission's review of the Google/Fitbit merger

Target Profile

Google

What PI is calling for

Companies must protect privacy by design, not exploit people and their data.

PI challenges companies to change their behaviours.

Press Release: European Commission green lights Google and Fitbit merger in a game-changing and disappointing decision for the rights of millions of Europeans

The European Commission has today concluded its review of Google's proposed acquisition of Fitbit. Privacy International is disappointed that the Commission has decided to let the merger go through, allowing Google's extraordinary power to expand into wearables and sensitive health data.

Long Read

The impact of our public campaign against the proposed Google/Fitbit merger

During summer 2020, over 2,500 people signed PI's public petition opposing the proposed Google/Fitbit merger. We sent the petition to the European Commission, who are yet to decide if the merger can proceed. The Commission responded by thanking petitioners for their concerns and cooperation, just as they opened a detailed phase 2 investigation into the merger.

Explainer

Explainer: Competition, Data and Interoperability in digital markets

Interoperability: what does it mean and why should we care?

Advocacy

Response to the ACCC's Statement of Issues on the Google/Fitbit merger

Following PI's submission in March 2020, the Australian regulator has decided to conduct an in-depth investigation into the Google/Fitbit merger. We have responded to some of their concerns.