Chinese regulatory authorities have announced a formal investigation into the acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus by technology giant Meta Platforms Inc. The probe, confirmed for early 2026, underscores the increasing international scrutiny of major tech mergers, particularly those involving cutting-edge AI capabilities.
Details of the Acquisition and Probe
The planned acquisition, which would see Meta absorb the promising AI firm Manus, was announced prior to the regulatory intervention. The investigation by Chinese officials is set to commence in January 2026. This move signals a more assertive stance from Beijing in reviewing foreign technology deals that may have implications for competitive markets and technological sovereignty.
While specific details regarding the valuation of the Manus acquisition have not been publicly disclosed, the probe itself represents a significant regulatory hurdle. Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has been aggressively expanding its portfolio in the artificial intelligence sector, viewing it as critical to the future of its social media, virtual reality, and metaverse ambitions.
Global Context of Tech Scrutiny
This investigation aligns with a broader global trend where governments are closely examining the market power of Big Tech companies. Regulators in various jurisdictions, including the United States and the European Union, have heightened their review of mergers and acquisitions within the technology sector, especially those concerning data privacy, market dominance, and control over emerging technologies like AI.
The Chinese probe into the Meta-Manus deal specifically focuses on the implications of transferring advanced artificial intelligence technology and intellectual property. Authorities will assess potential impacts on market competition, data security, and the strategic development of the AI industry within their regulatory purview.
Potential Outcomes and Implications
The outcome of the investigation could range from an unconditional approval of the acquisition to the imposition of specific conditions or even a block of the deal entirely. Such conditions might include data governance rules, limits on technology integration, or requirements for maintaining operational independence for certain Manus assets.
For Meta, this regulatory challenge adds complexity to its strategic expansion. The company's commitment to AI was prominently showcased during its Connect developer conference in September 2025. Successfully navigating this probe will be crucial for Meta to continue integrating advanced AI tools across its family of apps and hardware products.
This development serves as a clear indicator to the global tech industry that cross-border acquisitions, particularly in sensitive and high-stakes fields like artificial intelligence, will face rigorous examination from multiple regulatory bodies worldwide.
