Google officially completes acquisition of Fitbit

Internet giant Google has officially completed its $2.1 billion acquisition of fitness bands and smartwatches brand Fitbit. It may be remembered that the deal between the two was first announced in November 2019 and as of today, the company claims to have a community of 29 million active users.

Given the current climate and talks about data privacy, Google has clarified that Fitbit users' health and wellness data won't be used for Google ads and this data will be separated from other Google ads data.

In a blog, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president, devices & services said, "This deal has always been about devices, not data, and we've been clear since the beginning that we will protect Fitbit users' privacy. He further added, "We’ll also maintain access to Android APIs that enable devices like fitness trackers and smart watches to interoperate with Android smartphones, and we'll continue to allow Fitbit users to choose to connect to third-party services so you’ll still be able to sync your favorite health and fitness apps to your Fitbit account."

Google said these commitments will be implemented globally and the tech giant will "continue to work with regulators around the world so that they can be assured that we are living up to these commitments."

Fitbit CEO James Park said, "I have no doubt that this acquisition will create so many opportunities. But I also want you to know that many of the things you know and love about Fitbit will remain the same. We will stay committed to doing what's right, to putting your health and wellness at the center of everything we do and to offering a no-one-size-fits-all approach with choices that work across both Android and iOS."