Fitbit health data will not be used for Google ads, promises company after Google acquisition

Wearables company Fitbit has announced that it has been acquired by Google for around $2.1 billion. While the company is happy is to find an “ideal partner like Google”, Fitbit has promised that it will not allow personal health data of 28 million active Fitbit users to be used for Google ads.

“Consumer trust is paramount to Fitbit. Strong privacy and security guidelines have been part of Fitbit’s DNA since day one, and this will not change. Fitbit will continue to put users in control of their data and will remain transparent about the data it collects and why. The company never sells personal information, and Fitbit health and wellness data will not be used for Google ads,” said Fitbit in an official statement.

Fitbit will also continue to remain platform-agnostic across both Android and iOS. The company claims to have sold more than 100 million devices. “Google is an ideal partner to advance our mission. With Google’s resources and global platform, Fitbit will be able to accelerate innovation in the wearables category, scale faster, and make health even more accessible to everyone. I could not be more excited for what lies ahead,” said James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit.

The transaction is expected to close in 2020, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Fitbit’s stockholders and regulatory approvals. Qatalyst Partners LLP acted as financial advisor to Fitbit, and Fenwick & West LLP acted as legal advisor.

"We're looking forward to working with the incredible talent at Fitbit, and bringing together the best hardware, software and AI, to build wearables to help even more people around the world,” said Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President, Devices & Services at Google.