After Acquisition, Meta Cuts Access to Internal Systems of Startup Manus

Technology company Meta has reportedly halted data sharing with the Chinese startup Manus after completing a $2 billion acquisition. According to TechCrunch on Saturday (13/6) local time, Meta has cut off access from internal systems to prevent employees from using the Manus startup’s tools for internal projects. This also serves as a concrete step to comply with a divestiture order issued by Beijing two months ago on national security grounds.

Then in May, Manus’s founders were known to have held discussions about raising $1 billion from outside investors to take the company back from Meta. The move underscores that the Chinese government is seeking to maintain control over technology deemed sensitive and strategic.

Manus attracted widespread attention with a viral agent demonstration, relocating staff to Singapore in mid-2025 before announcing the $2 billion acquisition by Meta in December. Chinese regulators began scrutinising the transaction earlier this year, citing potential violations of technology export controls and foreign investment rules.

Meanwhile, Manus investors including California-based venture capital firm Benchmark have received proceeds from the acquisition, and Asian backers Tencent, HSG, and ZhenFund have indicated they will cooperate with the dissolution process.