AI firm Manus to resume 'independent' operations after China blocks Meta deal

China's regulatory ban compelled AI startup Manus to halt its acquisition by Meta and resume functioning independently. Beijing prohibited the acquisition of the Chinese-developed, Singapore-based company by Meta's parent company in April. The deal, reportedly valued at nearly US$2 billion, was announced in December between the two firms.

Manus announced on Tuesday its intent to return to being an autonomous entity, a measure to adhere to regulatory mandates in certain regions. The firm also stated that data generated by users subsequent to Meta's December 29 acquisition must be eradicated to comply with legal requirements in specific jurisdictions. Experts had cautioned when the deal was proposed that it may encounter regulatory hurdles, amidst heightened technological competition between the United States and China.