AI agent startup Manus will delete user data generated since its acquisition by Meta on December 29, 2025. This action is a critical step in its mandated separation from the tech giant, allowing Manus to resume operations as an independent company. The company is providing tools for affected users to back up their information ahead of the scheduled deletion in late August.
A Deal Undone by Regulators
The data deletion stems from a regulatory reversal of Meta's acquisition of Manus, a deal valued at approximately $2 billion. In April 2026, China's top economic planning agency ordered the transaction undone, citing national security concerns. This directive forced the two companies to begin the complex process of disentanglement, leading to the current data management protocol.
Following the ruling, Meta moved swiftly to sever ties, cutting off the Manus team's access to its internal systems and halting data sharing. The upcoming deletion of user data represents the final stage of this forced separation, ensuring full regulatory compliance. This move underscores the growing influence of governments in scrutinizing major international technology acquisitions.
Details of the Data Deletion
Manus confirmed the deletion is not a security incident but a measure to meet regulatory requirements in "specific jurisdictions." The company has not disclosed the full list of affected regions, though some users in Brazil have reported receiving notifications. The process will target all data created by certain users since December 29, 2025.
The deletion is scheduled between August 23 and August 24, 2026, Singapore time, during which affected accounts will be temporarily blocked. Manus has emphasized its commitment to supporting users through this disruption and ensuring transparency throughout the mandated process. This step is crucial for the company as it transitions back to full operational independence.
User Actions and Timelines
To prevent data loss, affected users must act within a narrow timeframe. Manus has launched a backup tool, allowing users to save their data before the deletion window begins. The deadline for completing backups is 7:59 a.m. SGT on August 23, which corresponds to the evening of August 22 in the Americas.
The company is notifying impacted individuals via in-app messages and email, urging them to check their account status promptly. A data restoration portal will open at 8:00 a.m. SGT on August 25. Manus has also suspended subscription charges for affected users and will offer welcome-back bonuses as a gesture of goodwill.
Manus's Independent Future
As it navigates this transition, Manus is focused on its future as a standalone entity, reassuring its global user base of its continued commitment. The company stated its priority remains innovating and delivering advanced experiences for its millions of users. This event marks a pivotal moment for the startup as it reclaims its operational autonomy.
Looking ahead, Manus has indicated it is already developing new features designed to advance the capabilities of general AI agents. The company aims to leverage this new chapter to build on its initial success and meet user expectations. This forward-looking strategy is intended to reinforce user trust and signal a new era of growth for the company.
The mandated separation of Manus from Meta highlights the increasing complexity of global tech regulations and their impact on companies and consumers. While the data deletion presents a temporary disruption, Manus is providing clear steps for data preservation. The company's focus now shifts to re-establishing its independent operations and continuing its mission to innovate in artificial intelligence.