iRobot’s Roombas have a new Chinese owner, but it says your data will remain in the US
The Verge
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
iRobot has announced the creation of a new US-based subsidiary, iRobot Safe, as part of its acquisition by China-based Picea Robotics. This move aims to address concerns about data security, mirroring the approach taken in the TikTok deal finalized last month. Under this arrangement, iRobot customers in the US will continue using their robotic vacuum cleaners (robovacs) as usual, but their data will now be managed by iRobot Safe instead of the new Chinese owner. This separation ensures that consumer data remains protected within the US.
The decision to establish iRobot Safe was explicitly designed to maintain a clear distinction between the company's non-US ownership and its global consumer data operations. By doing so, iRobot is ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while safeguarding user trust. The subsidiary will handle all data related to iRobot’s products in the US and other regions, maintaining operational independence from Picea Robotics.
This strategy reflects a growing trend among tech companies acquired by foreign entities to establish separate entities for managing sensitive consumer data. Similar to Microsoft's acquisition of LinkedIn or Oracle's deals, such measures are often taken to reassure users and regulators about data security. For iRobot, this approach addresses potential concerns about Chinese ownership influencing how user data is handled.
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/13/2026