Meta’s plan to buy artificial intelligence startup Manus for $2 billion has been blocked by Chinese authorities, dealing a blow to the tech giant’s efforts to strengthen its AI business.
The decision shows how sensitive AI technology has become, with governments increasingly treating it as a strategic asset rather than just another business sector.
Meta had hoped the acquisition would help it move faster in the global AI race. Manus has attracted attention for building advanced AI systems that can perform tasks such as research, planning and customer support with limited human input.
For Meta, the startup was seen as a valuable opportunity to add both technology and talent at a time when competition is intensifying with rivals such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI.
Chinese regulators reportedly opposed the deal on national security and foreign investment grounds. The move suggests Beijing is becoming more cautious about allowing promising domestic AI companies or their technology to come under foreign ownership.
Even though Manus had links outside mainland China, authorities appear to have taken a broad view of the company’s strategic importance.
For Meta, the setback is more than a lost acquisition. It means the company may now need to spend more time and money building similar capabilities internally or searching for other partnerships.
Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has made AI one of Meta’s top priorities, investing heavily in smart assistants, business tools, advertising technology and future digital platforms.
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