China has begun reviewing Meta’s acquisition of AI startup Manus, raising concerns over whether the deal followed the country’s technology export and foreign investment rules.
Officials from China’s commerce authorities said they are assessing the transaction to determine if any regulations were breached, particularly around the transfer of sensitive technology and data overseas. The review focuses on whether the company’s technology should have required special approval before being sold to a foreign firm.
Manus, which has Chinese origins, reportedly shifted its operations and technical assets outside China before being acquired by Meta. Regulators are now examining whether that move and the subsequent sale complied with China’s export control framework.
While the review is still at an early stage and may not turn into a formal investigation, it gives Chinese authorities the ability to influence or delay the deal if violations are found. The outcome could also set a precedent for how China handles future overseas acquisitions involving advanced AI technology.
Meta has not issued any public comment on the matter, and it remains unclear how long the review will take or what action regulators may ultimately decide to pursue.
