Chinese authorities are currently scrutinizing Meta’s recent $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI startup, for potential violations related to technology control, according to a report by the Financial Times. The examination of this acquisition highlights the heightened regulatory landscape surrounding technology transactions that involve foreign entities.
In a separate development, Meta Platforms is preparing to introduce new subscription models for its apps, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, slated for rollout in the upcoming months. This initiative, reported by TechCrunch and confirmed by a spokesperson from Meta, aims to enhance user productivity and creativity by providing paid subscribers with access to a broader range of features and advanced AI tools.
Meta’s acquisition of Manus, which took place in December 2022, marked a significant investment in AI development. Manus, a Singapore-based developer with roots in China, specializes in AI agents, and the integration of these capabilities is expected to play a vital role in the new subscription offerings. These plans could serve as a strategic move for Meta to recoup investments made in AI talent and acquisitions, reflecting a shift towards monetization after substantial expenditures in the sector last year.
While Meta has been advancing its large language models under the Llama brand, which have been made available as open-source, these subscription models indicate a transition towards more monetized services, in contrast to the free accessibility of Llama. Potential features under the paid plans may include full access to Vibes, an AI-powered short-form video tool that enables users to create and remix AI-generated content. Although Vibes has been available at no cost since its launch in 2025, the new model will offer a basic free version while incorporating options for enhanced paid features.
It is important to note that these new subscription offerings will operate independently from Meta Verified, a service introduced in 2023 that provides content creators and businesses with tools such as verification badges, dedicated support, and protection against impersonation.
As Meta implements these subscriptions, the company has stated that it will actively seek user feedback to refine and improve the experience, indicating a commitment to meeting the needs and preferences of its growing community as it navigates this new monetization strategy.
