Google and Fitbit

[SunsetRunner]

This is not a suggestion to the product line of Fitbit, but instead a STRONG suggestion NOT to allow this to go through:

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/10/28/google-may-acquire-fitbit/

I don't trust Google's (lack of) privacy policy, and I question continued support of my phone platform of choice (Apple iPhone) if Google were to purchase Google.

Just my two cents' worth.

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity

[Youn35]

Doesn't matter what they say, Google has only bought fitbit for the data. Export your data and delete. Sell your fitbit!

[SunsetRunner]

Update 3: AWs setup and working post Christmas, so deleting account and data (hopefully). Wish it was not this way...I've really like liked my FitBit products. Oh well...

Update 2: Moving two more family members to Apple Watch 4 (AW4) platform with two more AW4 purchases.

Update 1: Starting my migration. Just bought an Apple Watch 4 (some good discounts with the release of the Apple Watch 5) and am looking at ways of syncing data from Fitbit to Apple in preparation for deleting my Fitbit data/account. Will update as I figure this out.

I don't trust Google to protect my personal information/data I entrusted with FitBit (I only believe that it will be collected, mined, and then sold). Hopefully we get more information on how we can permanently delete the information/data that has been collected by FitBit BEFORE the acquisition completes. Really unhappy that this has happened (especially since I just upgraded to a new Charge 3). Looking at my alternatives now, and not liking any of my choices...

[SunsetRunner]

I wholeheartedly agree. Google exists for one reason only, to collect data on its users and sell to advertisers. That and its relationship with government has me deeply concerned about my personal info. If this is allowed to go through, and from everything that I've read that it will, I will switch to another exercise watch company. 

[SunsetRunner]

I'm concerned and would like to delete my data, but in reading their policy, I'm thinking that I can "delete" the data so I cannot access it any more, BUT they may keep it anyway.  Here is a quote from the fitbit privacy policy relating to deleting your own data.....they may not delete it all because they have this get out of jail free statement in their policy: 

"We may also preserve data for legal reasons or to prevent harm, including as described in the How Information Is Shared section."

I would appreciate a response to this concern from Fitbit.  I do not want google to have my fitbit data, period, none of it.

[Rich_Laue]

@SunsetRunner you will find contact info for fitbit through the top right slide out menu. 

[Jillccc]

Count me among the users disconnecting from Fitbit.  Keeping our individual data private is surely a losing battle at the end of the day, but I am disconnecting. Not ready to concede completely to Google.  I already unsynced my fitbit from the App and I will not buy/use Fitbit again.  Gotta say, too, that this step is all the easier because I have an Ionic, which has caused me no shortage of grief.  This crappy product has already got me looking for a new product, and a Google acquisition means that it's not gonna be another Fitbit.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks for the reply guiding me to the contact info for FitBit, but I don’t see how that answers whether it’s even possible to delete ALL my data from FitBit, given the clause I quoted from your privacy policy.  

when I delete my data will it be completely removed or will FitBit retain the info for ‘legal’ reasons?  That is the specific question that many people want an answer to.  

How would you propose we get a legal answer to that question?

[Chuckc777]

I'm hoping this won't be censored. I have a genuine question that I'd like to pose to the community. 

I have heard a lot about my privacy being compromised since Google has acquired FitBit. First, is that a legitimate concern? (I tend to think it is as I don't have a high level of trust in Google.)

Second, what competitive product would you suggest I consider to replace my current Charge 2? 

Thank you. 

[User9292]

I can’t say how disappointed I am for it sold to Google.  Google is pervasive in our lives as are most tech companies.  They do not pay us for our personal property.  Data is the new oil and we are being robbed of our data.

theres no way I’m continuing with FitBit.  I do not trust Google and try hard to avoid them but is impossible.  They are not entitled to my health data.

goodbye Fitbit 

[User9292]

I am getting rid of my Fitbit and seeking to close out my account.  Google does not deserve access to my personal data on this level.  I feel betrayed by Fitbit.

[SunsetRunner]

Unfortunately, I think that even though you 'delete' your data, that most
likely means that *you* won't be able to access it any more, but *they*
will still keep it "for legal purposes" per their privacy statement.

Can someone official at FitBit tell me honestly if this is untrue? They
keep the data and it will be available to Google even if we delete our
"account". Correct???

[User9292]

Yes but they will not be able to mo it or anything from that point on.  We are a commodity not matter if we like it or not.  There’s no way I’m using a Fitbit product under google ownership.  “Don’t be Evil” was their slogan.  Yeah right.

[User9292]

They won’t be able to monitor me after it.  Why on earth can’t we edit our own comments?

[WavyDavey]

@SunsetRunner,

Below is Fitbit's current privacy policy. What the future may hold nobody knows.

https://www.fitbit.com/legal/privacy

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks
Here is the quote from their official privacy policy:

We also keep information about you and your use of the Services for as long as necessary for our legitimate business interests, for legal reasons, and to prevent harm, including as described in the How We Use Information and How Information Is Shared

This is why it looks like they are saying they won’t delete your data even if you tell them to. If you delete your data, You won’t have access to it, if you delete it, but they still will, because they will keep it as long as necessary for business purposes.

Helen

__________________________
Helen Newman

Sent from my iPhone

[Boochie007]

How safe will my personal data be with Google now?

[Odyssey13]

Hi @SunsetRunner  You might want to edit your post to remove your real name. Being safe online is important on a public forum.

Google is no different from any other internet site, which holds onto your pictures and information, long after you've forgotten about it. Facebook posts are never truly deleted, although you may have removed it, the images and posts still can be accessed. No difference with any company that has your information. I don't do online banking, but my banking information is online courtesy of my bank. 

[Melissa517]

I heard that Google is also in cahoots with Big Pharma.  That spooks the heck out of me.

[WavyDavey]

I completely agree with @Odyssey13. We live in a time where data really doesn't go away. I'm not sure if it's just the price of convenience for our online lives, but that seems to be the way it is. Technology is at a point where storing data indefinitely is incredibly easy and cheap, and at times even legally required. I'm not sure our laws and ethics around the implications can keep up pace with technological innovation. That's an issue I think should always be discussed.

In regards to the not-yet-finalized acquisition of Fitbit by Google, I did see this section in the Fitbit privacy policy:

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, we will continue to take measures to protect the confidentiality of personal information and give affected users notice before transferring any personal information to a new entity.

[SunsetRunner]

Dismayed at this development.  Do not trust Google at all, so will be looking for another product.  Got a lot of benefit from my Fitbit Versa, but now the cost far outweighs the benefit.