Fitbit has this slice of data but they are unable to combine it with any other slices of data. Google has all of the other data. Google acquiring Fitbit is Google purchasing health data. Fitbit is unable to acquire that data on their own, and they shouldn't be able to. No one should have ALL of that data.
I don't know the details, but do you have certainty that they are not planning to anonymize the data before transferring it to Google?
That's what pharmaceutical or medical ventures usually do, so that seems the sensible way to go.
Anyway this is probably not decided yet because it is very early, but Google would surely go the sane and rational way. Alphabet is already quite used to medical projects through Deepmind, and they do not breach accepted good practice guidelines.
Yeah but the point is that Google knows better than merely conform to the Law, especially in this era of irresponsible governments.
They can and often do more responsible things than just what is required.
It is not true for every industry player, here again the corporate culture has its role, so yes a good set of laws would do a great good. Then again, that only comes from a responsible government/politics.
Google should never be given access to this type of data. Never.