Amnesty International Calls for EU Intervention in Google-Fitbit Deal
Human rights organization Amnesty International has formally urged the European Union to block Google’s $2.1 billion acquisition of Fitbit unless robust human rights protections are implemented. The proposed merger, announced in November 2019, continues to face regulatory scrutiny amid growing concerns about data privacy and market dominance.
Key Concerns Highlighted in Amnesty’s Letter
In a detailed letter to EU Competition Chief Margrethe Vestager, Amnesty outlined several critical issues:
- Data Privacy Risks: Google’s surveillance-based business model could lead to unprecedented intrusion into personal health data
- Market Dominance: The merger may further entrench Google’s control over digital advertising and wearable ecosystems
- Human Rights Implications: Potential erosion of privacy rights and unequal access to health-related services
“The Commission must ensure the merger doesn’t proceed without strong safeguards that prevent human rights risks,” Amnesty stated, echoing concerns raised by civil society groups and the EU Data Protection Advisor.
Why This Merger Raises Red Flags
1. Expansion of Google’s Data Empire
Google’s acquisition would grant access to:
- Fitness tracking data from millions of users
- Potentially sensitive health information
- New avenues for behavioral profiling
2. Competition Concerns
EU regulators have specifically examined:
- Potential lockout of competing wearable manufacturers from Android
- Strengthening of Google’s digital advertising dominance
- Market distortion in the health tech sector
3. Inadequate Safeguards
While Google has offered concessions including:
- Pledges not to use Fitbit data for ads
- Guarantees for Android ecosystem openness
Amnesty argues these measures are insufficient, citing Google’s history of data consolidation post-acquisitions.
Regulatory Timeline and Potential Outcomes
The EU Commission has extended its review period multiple times, with a decision now expected in early 2021. Key factors influencing the outcome include:
- Ongoing discussions with national competition authorities
- Upcoming EU digital market regulations
- Vestager’s preference for regulation over prohibition
Historical Context
While the EU has never blocked a major tech merger, it has:
- Blocked telecom deals (e.g., 2016 Hutchison-Telefonica case)
- Fined tech companies for misleading filings (Facebook-WhatsApp case)
The Bigger Picture: EU’s Digital Strategy
This case occurs as the EU prepares to:
- Introduce new digital market regulations
- Implement stricter rules on data usage by dominant platforms
- Balance innovation with fundamental rights protection
As Amnesty concludes: “The power of platforms has created a situation where it’s difficult to hold companies accountable or for affected individuals to access remedies.” The Google-Fitbit decision will serve as a crucial test case for the EU’s approach to big tech regulation.
