Manus, an AI agent startup founded in China and now based in Singapore, said on Aug. 11 it will soon operate independently again after Chinese regulators in April ordered Meta to unwind its US$2 billion acquisition of the company.

Manus said some users must back up data created on or after December 29, 2025, because separating from Meta requires changes to meet regulatory requirements in specific parts of the world.

Meta had planned to use Manus’ technology in consumer and enterprise products.

The reversal also comes as Chinese authorities are considering tighter export controls on AI and semiconductor technology, including possible limits on overseas acquisitions involving strategic technologies such as agentic AI.

🔗 Source: CNBC

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