China reviews Meta's purchase of AI startup Manus, FT reports

Chinese officials are reportedly reviewing Meta's roughly $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus for possible technology control violations, the Financial Times reported; Reuters could not immediately verify the report and Meta and Manus did not comment.

Chinese officials are reportedly reviewing Meta's recent acquisition of the AI startup Manus for possible technology control violations, the Financial Times reported. The review follows Manus' relocation of staff and technology to Singapore and comes after Meta completed the purchase last month. Reuters could not immediately verify the FT report. Meta and Manus did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reported details: - Chinese commerce ministry officials began assessing whether the relocation of Manus' staff and technology to Singapore and the sale to Meta required an export license under Chinese law, the FT reported. - The review is described as preliminary and may not lead to a formal investigation. - The FT reported that the need for a license could provide Beijing with an avenue to influence the transaction, and in an extreme case might be used to try to halt the deal. - Reuters previously reported that Meta acquired Manus last month and that a source gave a valuation range for the Singapore-based firm between $2 billion and $3 billion. - Manus drew attention earlier after releasing what it said was a general AI agent capable of autonomous decisions and actions with less prompting than typical chatbots, which led to wide public interest on social platforms. Summary: The reported review adds a regulatory layer to a recent cross-border technology acquisition and reflects scrutiny of transfers of staff and technology. Whether the review will lead to a formal investigation or alter the transaction is undetermined at this time.