[ocdtrekkie]

Presumably Google and/or Fitbit operating within the European Union depends on compliance with European law. So choosing to disregard the EU's decision on the matter could blow apart a large part of an international business.

My guess is Google/Fitbit could only proceed without the EU's approval if Fitbit stopped operating in Europe and deleted all Europeans' data.

[dogma1138]

So all the European consumers who bought a Fitbit can be screwed?

[ocdtrekkie]

Arguably: All European customers who bought a Fitbit are likely screwed anyways, Google has a poor history with supporting acquired product lines. While I am irritated about my data being acquired, personally, I'd also recommend against anyone buying a Fitbit while this acquisition is in flux, as Google might choose to terminate service to devices shortly post-acquisition anyways. And privacy loss is a harm as well.

In short, this acquisition is already harming everyone, and the EU is trying to prevent the most consumer harm.

[TheMblabla]

*Google has a poor history with supporting acqui-hired product lines.

I think most of the terminated services were fairly predictable (i.e. North)

[ocdtrekkie]

We have no idea what Google's endgame for Fitbit is. Keep Fitbit OS or shove Android Wear on the brand? Focus on the Fitbit app or push everyone to Google Health.

Without knowing this, there's no safe bet in buying a Fitbit right now.