Meta completes operational split from Manus, halts data sharing
The separation follows Beijing's April order to unwind Meta's $2 billion acquisition, after regulators said foreign investment and technology export rules were breached.
Meta has completed an operational separation from agentic AI startup Manus, cutting off mutual system access and directing staff to move work off Manus tools after Chinese regulators ordered the companies to unwind Meta's $2 billion acquisition. The National Development and Reform Commission said the deal violated foreign investment and technology export rules, arguing Manus's origins, research, talent and data remained tied to China despite its move to Singapore in 2025. Manus co-founders Xiao Hong, Ji Yichao and Zhang Tao are exploring whether to raise roughly $1 billion from outside investors for a buyback, though earlier investor exits and the companies' operational integration complicate any reversal. The case comes amid broader U.S.-China escalation over AI, investment and technology controls.
- agentic AI: AI systems designed to act with a degree of autonomy to complete tasks or pursue goals.
- technology export rules: Government restrictions on transferring sensitive technologies, know-how or related assets across borders.
- cross-border AI transactions: Deals involving AI companies operating across different countries and regulatory systems.