TechFlow news, on January 7, according to the Financial Times, Chinese authorities are reviewing Meta's $2 billion acquisition of the artificial intelligence platform Manus, assessing whether the deal violates technology export controls. Two informed sources revealed that officials from the Ministry of Commerce have begun evaluating whether the relocation of the Manus team and technology to Singapore and subsequent sale to Meta requires an export license under Chinese law.
It is reported that the review of this deal may focus on whether the Manus team developed technology subject to export controls within China. Although the review is still in its early stages, if the assessment concludes that an export license is required, the Chinese government may have the authority to intervene in this transaction, and in extreme cases, it could even lead to the termination of the deal.
