After the multi-billion dollar takeover of the fitness tracker provider Fitbit by Google in 2021, there are now some changes for users. Among other things, Google is planning to switch user accounts. The change could cause problems in Germany.
Fitbit has been part of the search engine giant since January 2021 and, according to its own announcement, this now has consequences for the 29 million users of the fitness tracker. In addition, the company announced a schedule for the conversion of the accounts.
Fitbit usable with Google account from 2023 year
It should be possible to combine Google accounts with Fitbit devices as early as 2023. Until then, users still have the choice of continuing to use a Fitbit account to access their fitness data. Fitbit accounts will continue to be supported until 2025, after which a Google account will be required to continue using the devices. In order to inform customers in good time about the termination of Fitbit accounts, notifications in the Fitbit app, in e-mails and in help articles should make the process transparent.
Anyone who uses a Google account to manage their aggregated health and fitness data through Fitbit devices must also agree to Google’s Data and Terms of Service. These differ from Fitbit’s previous terms and conditions. However, Google wants to be careful with sensitive health and fitness data, which is legally considered to be particularly worthy of protection. Accordingly, Google has entered into binding commitments with regulatory authorities and does not want to use the Fitbit data for advertising. Google Ads should therefore not have access to the health data by storing it separately.
Also read: Google – a story about a garage and a 1 with many zeros
Is Google Account Requirement Problematic?
However, the account requirement that cements ties to a particular company is also problematic. A general standardization initially brings many advantages because users no longer have to switch between different platforms and services. Google attaches great importance to binding users to its own products. Because once you’re there, you won’t switch places so quickly. The Google account is the key to many practical services that are becoming increasingly important in everyday life. Google Maps, Gmail, Google Drive, and the Google Play Store are some free offerings that I’m sure everyone has used at some point. However, the services are only free because Google uses user data to improve search algorithms or advertising offers. If the Google account is also extended to other companies such as Fitbit, the collection of personal data increases more and more. The dependency of users on the services of a company can also increase more and more.
To prevent a monopoly from arising, the Federal Cartel Office repeatedly intervenes in company acquisitions. When Facebook took over the VR glasses manufacturer Oculus, Facebook accounts were also made mandatory. The Bundeskartellamt then initiated proceedings in 2020 because the dominant position could be abused. The Facebook parent Meta then stopped selling Oculus glasses in Germany.
Also read: The best fitness trackers for (hobby) athletes
So far, there is no threat of proceedings from the Federal Cartel Office because of the mandatory introduction of a Google account on Fitbit devices. However, the market dominance of companies will remain an issue in the future.