Health tracker Fitbit hires lobbying muscle

The health-tracking device company Fitbit has hired lobbying muscle as it faces questions from Capitol Hill about its privacy protections.

The company, whose wristband devices have become ubiquitous in some circles, brought on K Street heavyweight Heather Podesta + Partners to “educate lawmakers regarding health and fitness devices,” according to a federal lobbying disclosure form. Podesta, a former Capitol Hill staffer, will be representing the company herself, according to the form, along with two other former congressional aides: Eric Rosen and Benjamin Klein. The hire comes on the heels of concerns voiced last month by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), that the detailed personal information Fibit and similar companies collect might be shared with other firms.