- AI startup Manus said Tuesday (Aug 11) it would soon return to operating as an independent company, after months of acquisition by Facebook owner Meta.
- Manus stated that the separation from Meta is necessary to comply with regulatory requirements in specific parts of the world.
- Manus added that data generated by some users on or after Meta's Dec 29 acquisition "needs to be deleted to comply with regulatory requirements in specific jurisdictions".
AI startup Manus announced it will soon operate independently after China blocked its acquisition by Meta, citing regulatory compliance. The deal, valued at approximately US$2 billion, was halted by China's National Development and Reform Commission, which mandated the withdrawal of the transaction.1
Manus stated, "This is part of our separation from Meta; we must take this step to comply with regulatory requirements in specific parts of the world," highlighting the need to delete data generated by users post-acquisition to meet compliance standards.2
The acquisition was initially announced in December, but analysts had warned of potential regulatory issues amid escalating technological tensions between Washington and Beijing. Prior to the ban, reports indicated that two Manus co-founders were restricted from leaving China, further complicating the situation.
The decision to separate from Meta underscores the challenges faced by international tech firms navigating complex regulatory landscapes, particularly in China, where government scrutiny of foreign investments has intensified.
“Manus said data from some users generated on or after Meta's Dec 29 acquisition must be deleted to comply with regulatory requirements in specific jurisdictions. The firm's statement emphasized the separation is necessary to meet those requirements.”
