iRobot Hands Over Data Management to New US-Based Subsidiary Amid Chinese Ownership

iRobot, now under Chinese ownership, is establishing a new US-based subsidiary called iRobot Safe to oversee data protection for its consumers in the country. The move aims to reassure users that their personal data will remain secure and handled in accordance with US regulations. This setup is similar to the arrangement made by TikTok with Oracle Corporation last month. By transferring data management responsibilities to iRobot Safe, customers can continue using their Roomba devices as usual without concerns about their sensitive information being compromised due to the change in ownership. The creation of iRobot Safe represents a significant step towards mitigating potential risks associated with iRobot’s new Chinese parent company. The subsidiary is designed to operate independently and maintain a clear separation between iRobot’s non-US operations and its US consumer data.