Google must cut privacy risks on Fitbit deal: EU data regulators

There’s heightened concern in Europe over big tech takeovers that allow already powerful firms move into new areas. Google’s US$2.1bil (RM8.80bil) acquisition of the maker of smartwatches and fitness trackers, announced in November, would add wearable devices to the Internet giant’s hardware business. — Reuters

Google should move to limit any privacy and data protection risks before it seeks European Union approval to take over health tracker Fitbit Inc, European privacy authorities warned on Feb 20.

"The possible further combination and accumulation of sensitive personal data regarding people in Europe by a major tech company could entail a high level of risk to privacy and data protection,” the regulators, known as the European Data Protection Board, said in an emailed statement. The companies should "mitigate possible risks to the rights to privacy and data protection before notifying the merger to the European Commission”.