Chinese Officials Review Meta's Manus Acquisition Amid New Subscription Push
Chinese officials are reportedly reviewing Meta Platforms' $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus. The review is examining potential technology control violations, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday.
The review is examining potential technology control violations, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday.
Simultaneously, Meta Platforms is preparing to introduce new subscription models across its applications, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, in the coming months. This information was reported by TechCrunch on Tuesday and confirmed by a Meta spokesperson.
These subscriptions are designed to provide paid users with access to additional features and enhanced AI capabilities, with the stated aim of unlocking more productivity and creativity. The newly acquired suite of general AI agents from Manus will be scaled and integrated into these subscription plans.
Acquisition Details and Strategic Rationale
Meta acquired Manus, a Singapore-based AI agent developer founded in China, in December for an estimated $2 billion. The introduction of these subscription plans may represent an effort to generate a return on Meta's substantial investments in AI talent and acquisitions.
Differentiating Paid Offerings
Unlike Meta's open-sourced large language models under the Llama umbrella, which remain free, the new paid plans will differentiate Meta's offerings from those of companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.
Potential Features: 'Vibes' and Enhanced AI
Potential features for Meta's paid plans may include full access to its AI-powered short-form video experience, Vibes, which enables users to create and remix AI-generated videos. While Vibes has been free since its 2025 launch, the new model would provide basic access for free, with advanced features requiring payment.
Distinct from Meta Verified
These new subscriptions will operate independently of Meta Verified, a paid product launched in 2023. Meta Verified offers content creators and businesses a verified badge, 24/7 direct support, impersonation protection, and search optimization.
Community Engagement
Meta has indicated plans to engage with its user community and collect feedback during the rollout of these subscriptions.