Meta faces China probe over acquisition of AI agent startup Manus

In a significant development, China announced on Thursday that it will investigate Meta's recent acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus, which was valued at over $2 billion. This inquiry is part of an effort to ensure that the acquisition adheres to the country's export control laws. Last month, Meta finalized its purchase of the Singapore-based Manus as the tech giant aims to enhance its consumer and enterprise offerings through advanced automation technologies. While specific terms of the deal remain undisclosed, sources cited by the Wall Street Journal confirmed the transaction exceeded the $2 billion mark. The Ministry of Commerce in China has stated that it will evaluate how this acquisition aligns with regulations governing technology imports and exports, as well as overseas investments. He Yadong, a spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting enterprises engaged in international operations and technological collaborations, provided they comply with legal guidelines. CNBC has reached out to Meta for a response regarding this investigation. This story is still developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.