Manus to resume independent operations after Meta deal unravels amid regulatory hurdles
New Delhi, August 11
AI startup Manus has announced that it will soon resume operations as an independent company, with the firm asking some users to back up their data ahead of a transition process linked to regulatory requirements in certain jurisdictions.
In a post on social media platform X, Manus said affected users must complete data backups before 7:59 a.m. on August 23, 2026 (Singapore Time), while restoration of data will begin from 8:00 a.m. on August 25, 2026 (SGT) to ensure uninterrupted access.
The company said users who are impacted by the transition will receive notifications through email and the Manus app. Users who registered through Apple ID or Facebook accounts have been advised to check their in-app notifications.
Manus said users can back up their data multiple times during the backup window and can create additional data after a backup, provided they run the backup process again.
Starting August 25, affected users will be able to access a restoration portal to restore their data and continue using the service from where they left off.
The company said affected users will not be charged during the transition period and will receive welcome-back bonuses. Users whose accounts are not affected do not need to take any action and can continue using Manus normally.
Manus apologised for the inconvenience caused to affected users and said its customer service team would remain available around the clock to assist with queries.
The transition comes as Manus prepares to operate independently following the unwinding of a previous deal involving social media giant Meta. The AI startup said it is working on a new set of features aimed at advancing the capabilities of general AI agents.
"We're preparing a series of new features that will push the boundaries of what's possible for general AI agents once again," Manus said, adding that it was looking forward to the next phase of its development.The move comes after uncertainty around Meta's acquisition of Manus, which had been positioned as a major deal in the artificial intelligence sector. However, the transaction faced regulatory obstacles, with Chinese authorities blocking the agreement, leading to the company preparing to return to independent operations.
The company thanked users for their support during the transition and said the future holds further developments for the platform.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some clarity! I was worried my data would get stuck in limbo when the Meta deal was announced. The welcome-back bonus is a nice touch, but I hope the restoration process is smooth. Indian users need clear communication, and this seems well-planned.
It's interesting how cross-border tech mergers keep hitting regulatory walls. As someone who uses Manus for work, I'm relieved they're not shutting down. The 24/7 customer support during the transition is reassuring. Hope the new features are worth the hassle!
The Chinese regulators blocking Meta's acquisition doesn't surprise me – data sovereignty is a big deal now. Indian startups should take note: better to build independently than depend on big tech lifelines. Manus staying solo is actually a win for users.
This is what happens when you don't read the fine print on data localization. But respect to Manus for handling it transparently. The step-by-step backup instructions could be clearer for older users though – not everyone is tech-savvy.
Welcome back to independence, Manus! Meta deal falling through might actually be a blessing in disguise. I'm curious about the new AI features they promised. Just hoping the data migration doesn't cause downtime for us in India – we rely on this tool daily. 🙏
M We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.