Overview
- Meta completed the operational split on Thursday, halting all data sharing, barring Manus staff from its internal systems, and instructing teams to migrate existing Manus projects onto Meta platforms.
- China's National Development and Reform Commission ordered a full unwind in April, requiring return of Chinese assets and removal of technology and data that had moved to Meta.
- Meta is actively removing previously transferred Manus technology and data from its systems while formally 'sunsetting' the Manus platform inside the company.
- Manus's founders are exploring roughly a US$1 billion buyback to restore independence, a plan made harder because some investors, including Tencent and ZhenFund, have already received sale proceeds.
- The case sets a new precedent for cross‑border AI deals by asserting Chinese jurisdiction over founder‑origin technology and it is likely to force tougher due diligence, deal terms, and investor protections on future acquisitions.