Google’s Fitbit deal needs close scrutiny, privacy groups warn

The takeover of fitness tracker Fitbit Inc by Alphabet Inc’s Google should get close scrutiny from global regulators because it would allow Google to strengthen its already dominant position in digital markets, privacy and consumer groups said.

A coalition of 20 organizations raised their concerns Thursday in a statement sent to antitrust authorities in seven jurisdictions, including the US and the European Union, which is set to rule on the deal later this month or extend its review.

“This will be a test case for how regulators address the immense power the tech giants exert over the digital economy and their ability to expand their ecosystems unchecked,” the groups said.