• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!
Law

Google’s Fitbit Purchase Under Regulatory Scrutiny

  • Google’s $2.1 billion purchase of wearable company Fitbit, finalized in January, is under regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and Australia.
  • The company is appealing an antitrust fine from the European Commission.
man_wearing_smart_watch
Fitbit/Design: Alex Brooks

Google bought Fitbit in January, but for U.S. and Australian regulators, it’s not a done deal.

The U.S. Department of Justice and the antitrust-focused Australian Competition and Consumer Commission are still investigating the $2.1 billion deal, according to Rod Sims, who heads the Australian regulatory agency.

Sims explained Friday that his agency was still determining whether the deal presents privacy issues regarding the tech giant’s huge store of consumer data.

Google agreed to restrict the use of Fitbit data in its ad targeting to gain approval from the European Commission in September 2020.

The Fitbit acquisition represents Google’s major foray into wearables — it shares a wearable tech platform with Samsung — amid other major tech and fitness companies pushing into the category.

  • The Apple Watch integrates with the company’s Apple Fitness+ workout subscription program and has been steadily adding health tracking features.
  • Facebook and Peloton are both working on biometric-tracking wearables.
  • Facebook has explored integrating data from its Oculus Move VR workout system into Apple’s health app.

This is not Google’s first antitrust challenge.

Last month, Google filed an appeal of a $5 billion fine issued by the European Commission over antitrust claims regarding its Android operating system — the largest such fine ever issued by the governing body.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.

Annual Football Season Tradition: A High-Stakes Media Blackout Fight

The ongoing Fox–YouTube TV dispute marks an annual media tradition.

NFL Nears Deal for YouTube Game That Could Break Streaming Records

YouTube closing in on a deal to show a game from Brazil.

Why Sports Leagues Are Betting Big on Streaming’s Reach

The NFL is going all-in on streaming for its Christmas Day games.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
Jon Gruden

NFL Asks Nevada Supreme Court to Rehear Jon Gruden Case

The arbitration fight between Gruden and the league continues.
Blue Jays
exclusive
September 5, 2025

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.
Hosszu
September 8, 2025

World Aquatics Reaches $4.6 Million Settlement With Pro Swimmers

Meanwhile, the International Swimming League’s case heads to trial in January.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
September 4, 2025

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
September 4, 2025

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Megan Romano
September 4, 2025

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.
Oct 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Fox Sports Southwest logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 123-104.
September 3, 2025

Fox, Hairstylist Settle Bombshell Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor all denied claims of wrongdoing.