China has stepped in and stopped Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, from acquiring the AI startup Manus, a Singapore-based company that builds AI agents capable of performing complex tasks. The deal, reportedly worth about $2 billion, had already been moving forward.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission said it was prohibiting the foreign acquisition of Manus and required all parties to withdraw from the deal. The decision followed a regulatory review that began earlier this year.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

META TRACKS WORKERS TO TRAIN AI AGENTS

Why China blocked the Meta Manus acquisition

China did not spell out every detail or specifically name Meta Platforms, but the direction is clear. Officials are focused on keeping advanced AI technology and talent from moving overseas. AI is now treated as a strategic asset, similar to critical infrastructure.

Regulators also pointed to rules around cross-border deals. Any transfer involving tech, data or investment must comply with Chinese law. Even though Manus operates out of Singapore, its Chinese roots gave Beijing grounds to intervene.

Timing may also matter. The decision comes just ahead of a planned meeting in May between Donald Trump and China’s president, Xi Jinping, adding pressure to an already tense relationship.

Why the China Meta AI deal matters globally

This move fits into a bigger pattern. The U.S. and China are competing for leadership in artificial intelligence, and both sides are tightening control. China’s decision sends a message. It will step in when it sees sensitive technology or expertise leaving the country’s orbit.

That could make future deals harder. U.S. tech companies may think twice before trying to acquire startups with ties to China, even if those companies are based elsewhere.

At the same time, the U.S. has its own restrictions. Export controls and investment limits already shape how companies work across borders. What we are seeing now is a more direct clash over who controls the future of AI.

ANTHROPIC’S MYTHOS AI FOUND OVER 2,000 UNKNOWN SOFTWARE VULNERABILITIES IN JUST SEVEN WEEKS OF TESTING

Impact on Meta’s AI plans after Manus deal collapse

For Meta Platforms, this is more than a missed deal. The company has been pushing into AI agents. These systems go beyond chatbots and can take action on your behalf. That includes tasks like managing schedules, analyzing data or even building software.

Manus was expected to help accelerate that push. Losing access could slow development or force Meta to look for other acquisitions.

Manus did not respond to CyberGuy’s request for comment. Its website still says it is now part of Meta, suggesting the deal had already gone through before regulators stepped in. Meta said the transaction complied with applicable laws and that it expects an appropriate resolution to the inquiry.

Still, the outcome shows how unpredictable global tech deals have become.

What this means to you

So how does this affect you, and why should you care? Well, despite it being a high-level tech deal, it still affects the apps you use, your data and how quickly new technology reaches you.

First, it can shape the tools on your phone and computer. When deals like this get blocked, companies may take longer to roll out new features. Some tools may never make it to the U.S.

Next, it affects how your data is handled. Governments are paying closer attention to where data goes and who controls it. That can lead to tighter rules around apps and services you rely on every day.

It can also change how much choice you have. When fewer deals go through, companies build more on their own. That can mean fewer options or tools that do not work well across platforms. Over time, these decisions can influence how fast AI improves and who controls the technology behind it.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com.

WHITE HOUSE MEETS AI FIRM ANTHROPIC AMID POLITICAL TENSIONS, PENTAGON DISPUTE

Kurt’s key takeaways

This situation goes beyond one blocked deal. It shows how artificial intelligence has moved into the center of global strategy. Governments are no longer watching from the sidelines. They are setting limits and deciding who gets access to what. For companies like Meta, the path forward may require new partnerships or different strategies. For everyone else, it means the AI tools we use will increasingly reflect political decisions as much as technical progress.

If governments control who builds AI, how much control should you have over the tools you use every day? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

If you’re looking to pick up a pair of open-ear headphones for yourself — or your mom — Shokz is running a Mother’s Day sale. Now through May 10th, the company’s best pair of bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro 2, are available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Shokz for around $139.95 ($40 off), their lowest price of the year. If you purchase direct, you’ll also receive a free waist bag (a $29.99 value).

While traditional headphones tend to block out the world, open-style headphones provide a safer alternative, letting you listen to music and podcasts while remaining vigilant. After testing the OpenRun Pro 2, The Verge’s Victoria Song said using them felt “like the stars finally aligning.” Unlike many open-ear headphones, they don’t skimp on bass or clarity thanks to a dedicated air conduction speaker, though they still won’t rival a traditional pair of in-ears when it comes to sound quality. Still, they’re more comfortable than earlier Shokz models, with flexible ear hooks and a lightweight neckband that creates a secure, natural fit, even for those who wear glasses.

The fact that the Pro 2 vibrate significantly less than other models is another highlight, as is battery life. They offer up to 12 hours on a single charge, which was enough for us to go nearly a week without plugging them in (they charge incredibly fast via USB-C, too). They also include AI-powered noise cancellation for calls (though results were mixed in our testing) and an IP55 rating, making them well-suited for both sweaty workouts and outdoor use.

Other Shokz deals to consider

The United Arab Emirates just made one of the most aggressive moves yet in the global AI race. The country says it will integrate agentic artificial intelligence across half of its government operations within two years.

For context: Most governments are still debating whether to use AI.  This plan puts speed and execution front and center and goes in the opposite direction of how governments typically handle major technology changes.

If it works, the UAE could offer a preview of how AI may reshape public services far beyond the Middle East. If it runs into problems, it could also highlight the risks of moving this fast when government decisions, personal data and public trust are all involved.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

UAE AMBASSADOR YOUSEF AL OTAIBA: US AND UAE FORGE GROUNDBREAKING HIGH-TECH PARTNERSHIP BASED ON AI

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

What agentic AI means for the UAE government

Agentic AI refers to systems that can analyze information, make decisions and take action with minimal human input. In this model, AI can process requests, adjust workflows and improve outcomes in real time. It can also carry out certain government tasks from start to finish, instead of only suggesting what a person should do next.

So, how would that show up in everyday ways? Think faster permit approvals, automated public services or systems that respond instantly to changes in demand. Instead of waiting for human bottlenecks, processes move continuously.

FOX NEWS AI NEWSLETTER: TRUMP ADMIN UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING TOOL ‘SUPERCHARGING’ GOV’T EFFICIENCY IN AI

According to the announcement, AI will act more like an operational partner than a tool. That marks a change in how governments think about technology.

How the UAE plans to roll out AI across government

There is also a clear structure behind the rollout. The UAE has put a detailed plan in place with clear expectations from the start. Every ministry and government entity will be evaluated based on how quickly it adopts AI, how well it implements those systems and how effectively it redesigns workflows around them.

Oversight will come from Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior government leader who plays a key role in the country’s executive decision-making. Day-to-day execution will be led by a task force chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi, a longtime cabinet minister focused on government modernization.

How AI will change government jobs in the UAE

One of the biggest parts of this plan has less to do with machines and more to do with people. Every federal employee will receive AI training. The goal is to build a workforce that can work alongside intelligent systems rather than compete with them.

That matters because large-scale automation often raises concerns about job loss. The UAE is taking a different angle by focusing on reskilling and adaptation. If it works, it could become a model that other countries try to follow. If it struggles, it will highlight how difficult workforce transformation can be at scale.

Why the UAE is moving so fast on AI in government

This move fits into a broader strategy. The UAE has spent years positioning itself as a tech-forward economy. By embedding AI into government operations, the country hopes to improve efficiency, reduce delays and deliver faster services to residents and businesses.

It also sends a signal globally. The UAE wants to set the benchmark for how governments use AI in a big way. That puts pressure on other countries, including the United States, to rethink how quickly we adopt similar technologies.

Concerns about AI in government are already growing

For all the excitement, this kind of rollout raises real concerns. Critics point to accountability as one of the biggest questions. When AI systems start making decisions inside government, it can become harder to understand who is responsible when something goes wrong. Was it the system, the developer or the agency using it?

JOBS THAT ARE MOST AT RISK FROM AI, ACCORDING TO MICROSOFT

Privacy is another sticking point. Government systems already handle sensitive personal data. Expanding AI across those systems could increase how much data is collected, analyzed and stored, which makes some experts uneasy.

There is also the issue of bias. AI models learn from data, and if that data has gaps or flaws, the outcomes can reflect that. In a government setting, that could affect access to services, approvals or enforcement decisions in ways that are not always obvious.

Then there is trust. Even if the systems work as intended, people may still hesitate to accept decisions made by machines, especially when those decisions affect their daily lives.

Supporters argue that these risks can be managed with strong oversight and transparency. Still, critics say the speed of this rollout leaves little room for error, and that is where the debate is likely to intensify.

What this means to you

Even if you do not live in the UAE, this push has real implications. First, it raises expectations. When one government proves it can deliver faster services with AI, people elsewhere will start asking why theirs cannot.

Second, it accelerates the global AI race. Governments will need to balance speed with privacy, security and oversight. Third, it highlights a growing reality. AI is moving into decision-making roles beyond basic support functions. That changes how systems are built and how accountability works.

You may start to see similar experiments here in the United States, especially at the state or city level, where innovation can happen faster.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my quiz here: CyberGuy.com

Kurt’s key takeaways

The UAE is betting big on a future in which AI plays a central role in how its government operates. The timeline is aggressive, and the scope is hard to ignore. What stands out most is how quickly this is moving from concept to execution. At the same time, the questions are just as big as the opportunity. Who is accountable when AI makes a decision? How much data is being used behind the scenes? And how much trust are people willing to place in systems they cannot fully see? This could become a model that other governments try to follow. It could also expose real challenges around transparency and control. Either way, it is a clear signal that AI is moving deeper into systems that affect our everyday lives.

If AI can start making real-time decisions inside government systems, how comfortable are you with that level of automation showing up in your everyday life? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.