Meta Faces Probe While Amazon Leads AI Shopping Agents

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on January 8, 2026, it is investigating Meta's acquisition of the AI startup Manus. This probe focuses on whether the deal complied with Chinese laws concerning technology exports and outbound investments. Manus, a Singapore-based company with strong Chinese origins and founded by Chinese engineers, was purchased by Meta to enhance its AI offerings for platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This investigation underscores the escalating tech rivalry between the US and China. Chinese officials are also scrutinizing access to Nvidia's AI chips, highlighting broader concerns about strategic tech assets. Manus, originally from Chinese startup Butterfly Effect, notably achieved $100 million in annual revenue within eight months. Meanwhile, Zhipu, a prominent Chinese AI competitor to OpenAI, predicts that the intense AI price war currently seen in China will soon extend globally, impacting US developers. Beyond geopolitical tensions, artificial intelligence is poised to significantly impact global resource demand. S&P Global reports that AI and defense spending will drive a 50 percent increase in global copper demand by 2040, reaching 42 million metric tons annually, up from 28 million in 2025. AI alone could account for 10 million metric tons of this demand. However, supplies may fall short by over 10 million metric tons per year without substantial increases in mining and recycling efforts. In the commercial sphere, Amazon appears to be leading OpenAI in the development of AI shopping agents, having already integrated these features into its widely used main app. This gives Amazon a significant advantage with its existing customer base. The AI startup landscape also sees young Gen Z entrepreneurs rapidly building "unicorn" companies, reaching billion-dollar valuations in an average of 4.7 years, much faster than the historical seven-year average. Furthermore, Broadridge Financial Solutions has invested in DeepSee AI to automate post-trade capital markets operations, aiming to reduce manual processing. Lehigh University is also adapting, with a course offering a Microsoft and LinkedIn Professional Certification in AI for Managers. Despite AI's rapid advancements, human skills remain crucial. McKinsey's global managing partner, Bob Sternfels, emphasizes that AI models cannot perform aspiration, sound judgment, or true creativity. While McKinsey utilizes 25,000 AI agents to save 1.5 million hours in search and synthesis, human consultants focus on complex problems. Interestingly, AI is also exploring creative realms, with a French AI collective developing "The Astrologer, or False Omens," a new play in Molière's style. This contrasts with a call to reclaim human craft, such as watchmaking, against the rise of "AI slop."

Key Takeaways

• China's Ministry of Commerce launched an investigation on January 8, 2026, into Meta's acquisition of the Singapore-based AI startup Manus, citing concerns over technology export and investment laws.
• Manus, a company with Chinese origins, achieved $100 million in annual revenue within eight months, and its acquisition by Meta is seen as a strategic tech transfer by China.
• China is also scrutinizing access to Nvidia's AI chips, intensifying the tech rivalry between the US and China.
• Zhipu, a Chinese AI company, predicts that the domestic AI price war will soon spread globally, affecting US artificial intelligence developers like OpenAI.
• S&P Global forecasts that AI and defense spending will increase global copper demand by 50% by 2040, reaching 42 million metric tons, with AI alone accounting for 10 million metric tons.
• Amazon holds a lead over OpenAI in developing AI shopping agents, having integrated these features into its main app for millions of customers.
• Young Gen Z entrepreneurs are accelerating the AI unicorn boom, with companies reaching billion-dollar valuations in an average of 4.7 years.
• McKinsey's Bob Sternfels identifies aspiration, sound judgment, and true creativity as human skills AI cannot replicate, even as McKinsey uses 25,000 AI agents to save 1.5 million hours.
• Lehigh University's "Leadership in Organizations" course now includes a Microsoft and LinkedIn Professional Certification in AI for Managers, starting Fall 2025.
• Broadridge Financial Solutions invested in DeepSee AI to automate post-trade capital markets operations, focusing on AI-powered email orchestration.

China probes Meta's AI startup purchase

China is investigating Meta's acquisition of the AI startup Manus. The Ministry of Commerce wants to know if the deal broke laws on technology exports and outbound investment. Manus is based in Singapore but has Chinese roots and was founded by Chinese engineers. This investigation highlights the ongoing tech rivalry between China and the US. Officials are also looking at whether Chinese companies can access Nvidia's AI chips.

China investigates Meta's Manus AI deal

China announced on January 8 2026 it will investigate Meta's purchase of the AI startup Manus. The Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong stated that companies must follow Chinese laws on technology exports and investments. Manus is based in Singapore but has strong Chinese origins. This move shows the tech competition between the US and China. Experts like Gary Ng believe China is concerned about tech transfers that could benefit the US.

China probes Meta's AI startup purchase

China's Commerce Ministry announced on January 8 2026 it will investigate Meta's acquisition of the AI startup Manus. This action highlights the tech rivalry between the US and China. Meta bought Manus, a Singapore-based company with Chinese origins, to expand its AI offerings. Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong emphasized that all companies must follow Chinese laws regarding technology exports and investments. Experts believe China is scrutinizing any tech transfer that could give the US a competitive edge.

China investigates Meta's AI startup Manus

China announced it will investigate Meta's acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus. Meta recently bought Manus, a company based in Singapore with Chinese roots, to boost its AI offerings for Facebook and Instagram. This investigation highlights the growing tech rivalry and tensions between the US and China. It focuses on whether the deal followed Chinese laws.

China probes Meta's Manus AI acquisition

China announced on January 8 2026 it will investigate Meta's acquisition of the AI startup Manus. Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong stated that all companies must follow Chinese laws on technology exports and investments. Manus is a Singapore-based company with Chinese origins, and Meta bought it to expand its AI offerings. This move highlights the tech rivalry between the US and China, with experts noting security is a top concern for Chinese policymakers.

China to investigate Meta's Manus AI deal

China's commerce ministry announced on January 8 it will assess and investigate Meta's acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus. Ministry spokesperson He Yadong stated that companies involved in foreign investment, technology exports, and acquisitions must follow Chinese laws. The ministry will work with other departments to ensure the acquisition complies with all regulations. This investigation underscores China's focus on controlling technology transfers.

China probes Meta's Manus AI agent purchase

China is investigating Meta's acquisition of the AI agent startup Manus for potential technology control violations. Meta bought Singapore-based Manus to integrate advanced automation into its products. China's Ministry of Commerce will assess if the deal follows laws on export controls and overseas investment. Manus, originally from Chinese startup Butterfly Effect, reached $100 million in annual revenue in eight months. Experts believe China views advanced AI as a strategic asset, and this probe could lead to a longer approval process.

AI to boost copper demand 50 percent by 2040

S&P Global reports that artificial intelligence and defense will increase global copper demand by 50 percent by 2040. Demand is expected to reach 42 million metric tons per year, up from 28 million in 2025. However, supplies could fall short by over 10 million metric tons annually without more mining and recycling. Dan Yergin, S&P's vice chairman, noted that copper is essential for the world's electrification. AI alone could account for 10 million metric tons of demand by 2040.

AI and defense spending to worsen copper shortage

A new S&P Global study warns that the world faces an intensifying copper shortage due to rising AI and defense spending. Global copper demand is expected to increase by 50 percent to 42 million metric tons by 2040. However, worldwide production may peak at 33 million tons by 2030, creating a 10-million-ton gap. AI, data centers, and defense spending alone could add 4 million tons of demand. The study also suggests humanoid robots could require 1.6 million metric tons annually by 2040.

Young Gen Z founders lead AI unicorn boom

A new report from Antler suggests that young Gen Z entrepreneurs are quickly becoming leaders in the AI startup world. Fridtjof Berge, Antler's Co-Founder, says 25 is the new 30 for AI founders, who are building billion-dollar "unicorn" companies faster than before. AI allows lean teams to automate tasks, making company building more efficient and reducing the need for massive capital. AI companies now reach unicorn status in an average of 4.7 years, much faster than the historical average of seven years.

AI writes new play in Molière's style

Researchers believe artificial intelligence can match the wit of 17th-century playwright Molière. A French AI collective called Obvious, working with the Théâtre Molière Sorbonne, developed a new play titled "The Astrologer, or False Omens." The AI program was trained to imitate Molière's themes, structures, and humor. This project aims to simulate Molière's creative process with historical accuracy. The collaboration shows a strong interest in cultural heritage and AI's potential in the arts.

McKinsey leader lists 3 skills AI cannot do

Bob Sternfels, McKinsey's global managing partner, identified three human skills that artificial intelligence models cannot perform. He advises young professionals to focus on developing the ability to aspire, sound judgment, and true creativity. McKinsey uses 25,000 AI agents, saving 1.5 million hours in search and synthesis last year. This allows human consultants to tackle more complex problems. Sternfels also noted that AI adoption is changing how companies look for talent, with platforms like GitHub becoming more important than traditional degrees.

Broadridge invests in DeepSee AI for automation

Broadridge Financial Solutions has expanded its partnership with DeepSee, an agentic AI technology provider. This investment aims to speed up automation in post-trade capital markets operations. DeepSee's AI solution is already used in Broadridge's business process outsourcing and its post-trade platform. The new agreement will focus on AI-powered email orchestration to reduce manual processing and boost efficiency. Tom Carey, president of Broadridge, stated this will transform operations, lower risk, and improve client experience.

Amazon leads OpenAI in AI shopping agents

Amazon is reportedly ahead of OpenAI in developing AI shopping agents. The e-commerce giant has integrated AI shopping features into its main app, which millions of customers already use. These agents help users find products, compare prices, and make purchases seamlessly. This widespread adoption gives Amazon a big advantage over rivals like OpenAI, who are still in early development stages. Amazon's strong user base and smooth integration give it a clear lead in this new market.

Reclaiming human craft in the age of AI

The author suggests 2026 will be the year to fight "AI slop" and reclaim human craft, focusing on watchmaking as an example. Watches are seen as small symbols of human effort, reflecting cultural moments and engineering marvels. The author describes a visit to the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture in January 2023, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship involved. From tiny paintbrushes made of single hairs to delicate shellac, the visit emphasized the deep human skill and history in watchmaking. This focus on tangible, handcrafted items offers a contrast to the rise of algorithms.

China's Zhipu predicts global AI price war

Zhipu, a leading Chinese rival to OpenAI, predicts that the ongoing AI price war in China will soon spread globally. The company believes US artificial intelligence developers will also face intense price competition. Chinese AI companies have already been forced to give up profits due to this fierce market. This prediction, made on January 8 2026, suggests a challenging future for the international AI industry.

Lehigh course teaches AI for future leaders

Professor Ozias Moore at Lehigh University updated his "Leadership in Organizations" course to include artificial intelligence. This change, starting in Fall 2025, reflects a growing need for students to understand and use AI in their careers. Students now earn a Microsoft and LinkedIn Professional Certification in AI for Managers. This certification teaches AI concepts and strategies for managing teams and projects. The course also helps students create a personalized 12-month leadership development plan, integrating AI skills for their future careers.

Sources

• China Is Investigating Meta’s Latest A.I. Acquisition
• China to probe Meta’s acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus
• China to probe Meta's acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus
• China to probe Meta's acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus
• China to Probe Meta's Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence Startup Manus
• China to assess, investigate Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus
• Meta faces China probe over acquisition of AI agent startup Manus
• AI to boost copper demand 50% by 2040, but more mines needed to ensure supply, S&P says
• The World’s Copper Squeeze Is Set to Intensify on AI and Defense Spending, S&P Says
• 25 is the new 30 when it comes to AI founders as Gen Z entrepreneurs lead the way on billion-dollar unicorn startups, top VC partner says
• Can A.I. Match Molière’s Wit? These Researchers Think So.
• McKinsey boss shares 3 human skills that AI models can't do
• Broadridge invests in agentic AI tech fintech to drive post-trade automation 
• How Amazon Is Pulling Ahead of OpenAI With AI Shopping Agents
• Essays: 2026 Is the Year We Fight AI Slop To Reclaim Human Craft
• China’s Zhipu Says AI Price War Will Spread Internationally
• Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Leadership in Organizations