Chinese officials are examining Meta’s recent $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus over potential technology control violations, according to the Financial Times. The inquiry focuses on whether the relocation of Manus’ staff and technology to Singapore necessitates an export license under Chinese law. This preliminary review, while not officially an investigation, could empower Beijing to influence the deal’s outcome. Meta completed the Manus acquisition last month, with reports valuing the Singapore-based firm between $2 billion and $3 billion. Manus gained attention earlier this year for releasing what it claims is the world’s first general AI agent, capable of autonomous decision-making with minimal input, contrasting with traditional AI chatbots like ChatGPT. As this situation unfolds, the potential for regulatory hurdles could significantly impact Meta’s strategic objectives in the AI sector. Ongoing developments will be closely monitored by industry experts and stakeholders.
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