The Biden administration launched an investigation Thursday into internet-connected “smart cars” from China to determine if they can be used to spy on American drivers.

The probe could result in new regulations aimed at limiting the use of certain technologies in connected cars that track drivers and their personal information, such as driver assistance technology.

WASHINGTON, Feb 29 (Reuters) - The United States is opening an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks and could impose restrictions due to concerns about "connected" car technology, the White House said on Thursday.

The U.S. Commerce Department probe is needed because vehicles "collect large amounts of sensitive data on their drivers and passengers (and) regularly use their cameras and sensors to record detailed information on U.S. infrastructure," the White House said.

President Biden took steps on Thursday toward blocking internet-connected Chinese cars and trucks from entry to the American auto market, including electric vehicles, saying they posed risks to national security because their operating systems could send sensitive information to Beijing.

The immediate action was the opening of a Commerce Department investigation into security threats, which could lead to new regulations or restrictions on Chinese vehicles.