Technology, AI & Cyber
Manus to split from Meta after China blocks deal
AI startup Manus said Tuesday it would soon return to operating as an independent company, months after Beijing blocked its acquisition by Facebook owner Meta.
The Chinese-developed, Singapore-based artificial intelligence agent said the step was part of its separation from Meta and was needed to comply with regulatory requirements in some parts of the world.
Meta and Manus announced in December that Meta had agreed to acquire the company. In April, China's National Development and Reform Commission said it had prohibited the deal and required the parties to withdraw the acquisition transaction.
Manus also said data generated by some users on or after December 29 needs to be deleted to comply with regulatory requirements in specific jurisdictions.
The Financial Times reported before the Chinese decision that China had restricted two Manus co-founders from leaving the country. Analysts had warned when the deal was announced that it could face regulatory obstacles during technological rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
Update
Meta and Manus announced the acquisition agreement in December.
China's National Development and Reform Commission prohibited the deal in April and required the parties to withdraw the transaction.
Manus said some user data generated on or after December 29 needs to be deleted to comply with regulatory requirements in specific jurisdictions.
The Financial Times reported before the Chinese ban that China had restricted two Manus co-founders from leaving the country.
Source note: AFP news report published on 11 August 2026 at 15:40:22 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The supplied material does not identify the specific jurisdictions requiring the user data deletion.
The supplied material says the deal was reportedly worth around $2 billion but does not name the source of that valuation.
Source
AFP news report published on .