People are binning their FitBits over fears about privacy
Internet juggernaut Google's recent purchase of FitBit has got some users of the tracking device more than a little concerned.
On November 1, Google announced it was buying the activity tracker company for a whopping $2.1bn. While those who've cashed in are likely feeling pretty pleased with themselves, some of FitBit's 28m users have started a backlash against the brand.
Why? They're worried about what will happen to the personal data on their health, fitness and lifestyle that FitBit collects as part of its service.
And perhaps they're right to be concerned: Google already collects data on its users through tools including its search engine, YouTube, Google Chrome and Google Maps. It knows our location data, navigation history, search history, and what we're up to every day, via Google Calendar.
Twitter user @ScottKAndrews said: "Well, that's my Fitbit going in the bin. Also - will Google suddenly have access to my historical data? I am NOT comfortable with that. Do I have any way of preventing them acquiring my data?"
@kan_abu said: "Well I am tossing my watch", while @purvin2357 agreed: "Time to bin my @fitbit. Never signed up to give Google my biometric data" and @waspie500 said his Fitbit was "now going in bin after 4 years."
Well am tossing my watch
— kan (@kan_abu) November 1, 2019
@fitbit fitbit now going in bin after 4 years can't believe you sold out to Google shameful
— waspie500 (@waspie500) November 1, 2019
Late last week, a Google executive addressed these concerns in a blog, saying: "With wearables, we will be transparent about the data we collect and why. We will never sell personal information to anyone. Fitbit health and wellness data will not be used for Google ads. And we will give Fitbit users the choice to review, move, or delete their data."
James Park, co-founder and CEO of FitBit, concurred: “Strong privacy and security guidelines have been part of Fitbit’s DNA since day one, and this will not change.... The company never sells personal information, and Fitbit health and wellness data will not be used for Google ads."
Will FitBit wearers be convinced? Only time will tell.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
You Might Also Like
