Google faces lengthy EU probe over Fitbit data       

EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager. Picture: EPA/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

Google faces a lengthy EU probe into its $2.1bn (€1.78bn) takeover of Fitbit amid concerns about how health data could strengthen the search giant’s power in online advertising.

The EU will investigate how information from Fitbit’s fitness trackers will increase Google’s “data advantage” in online advertising that rivals would struggle to match, the European Commission said. Officials set an initial December 9 deadline to approve or veto the deal.