Story perspectives

China Forces Meta to Undo $2 B Manus Deal, Delete Data

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chinese regulators forced Meta Platforms to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of Manus.
Manus will delete data created on or after December 29, 2025 for certain users.
Affected users must back up data by 7:59 am August 23, 2026 (SGT) and may restore it from 8:00 am August 25, 2026.
The National Development and Reform Commission’s April 2026 decision barred foreign investment, prompting the unwind.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said government reviews foreign investment under the law.

History

Historical Context

China’s Cybersecurity Law, passed by the NPC on 7 Nov 2016 and enforced from 1 Jun 2017, mandated 100 % data localization and gave the NDRC power to vet foreign deals. The rule forced firms such as Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu to store all user information domestically, reshaping tech architecture. After a 5 billion-yuan fine in 2019, the NDRC blocked Meta’s $2 billion Manus purchase in Apr 2026, ordering user data deletion by Dec 2025.

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Story summary

Chinese regulators forced Meta Platforms to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of Manus.
Manus will delete data created on or after December 29, 2025 for certain users.
Affected users must back up data by 7:59 am August 23, 2026 (SGT) and may restore it from 8:00 am August 25, 2026.
The National Development and Reform Commission’s April 2026 decision barred foreign investment, prompting the unwind.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said government reviews foreign investment under the law.

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