The ACCC is seeking views on a proposed court-enforceable undertaking offered in
"Our decision to begin consultation should not be interpreted as a signal that the ACCC will ultimately accept the undertaking and approve the transaction," ACCC Chair
"Feedback from interested parties will assist us to decide whether the behavioural remedy proposed is capable of addressing our competition concerns regarding this transaction."
The proposed undertaking would require Google to:
* not use certain user data collected through Fitbit and Google wearables for Google's advertising purposes for 10 years, with an option for the ACCC to extend this obligation by up to a further 10 years;
* maintain access for third parties, such as health and fitness apps, to certain user data collected through Fitbit and Google wearable devices for 10 years; and
* maintain levels of interoperability between third party wearables and Android smartphones for 10 years.
The ACCC released a statement of issues on
Concerns were also raised that the proposed acquisition may provide Google with access to unique and substantial health related data that may improve the targeting capabilities of its advertising services.
"The ACCC is seeking feedback from industry and consumers on the long term effectiveness and enforceability of Google's behavioural undertaking to address the competition concerns raised by its proposed acquisition of Fitbit. The ACCC has not decided whether or not it will ultimately accept any undertaking,"
The ACCC invites submissions on the proposed undertaking by
More information is available on the ACCC website at Google LLC proposed acquisition of
Background
Google is a US-based information technology company. Google is the largest subsidiary of
Fitbit is an American company headquartered in
Fitbit's products include fitness wearables, smartwatches, smart scales, and software. Fitbit's wrist-worn wearable devices are supported by the Fitbit mobile app and Fitbit's proprietary operating systems.
The ACCC's provisional decision date of
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