Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and a new technology from China is making waves: Manus AI. Developed by the startup Monica, this autonomous agent stands out for its ability to execute complex tasks without continuous human supervision. Launched on March 6, 2025, Manus represents a major breakthrough in the field of AI agents.
What is Manus AI?
Unlike traditional chatbots that respond to queries on demand, Manus AI operates autonomously. It breaks down tasks into subunits and executes them without requiring additional instructions from the user. This approach brings it closer to the concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), an AI capable of reasoning and acting adaptively.
Artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and Manus AI marks a significant shift. More than just an assistant, this autonomous agent carries out end-to-end tasks without human intervention. Whether it’s analyzing financial markets, generating reports, or creating content, Manus doesn’t just suggest responses, it makes decisions and delivers results.
Its exclusive launch has generated impressive enthusiasm, with skyrocketing demand and access codes being resold at high prices. However, this breakthrough raises crucial questions: How far can a fully independent AI go? What impact will it have on jobs and regulations?
Manus AI and Regulations: Europe vs. Asia, Two Contrasting Approaches
The rise of Manus AI raises major regulatory concerns. While the European Union (EU) has established strict AI regulations with the AI Act, China takes a more flexible and pragmatic approach, encouraging innovation while maintaining control over sensitive applications.
The European Union: A Strict Framework for Responsible AI
Since August 1, 2024, the AI Act has classified AI systems based on risk levels, banning applications deemed harmful to fundamental rights, such as social scoring, behavioral manipulation, and mass biometric surveillance. A model like Manus AI could be categorized as “high risk” if used in critical sectors such as finance or recruitment.
Companies wanting to deploy Manus AI in Europe must comply with strict obligations:
- Documentation and traceability of AI decisions
- Human oversight to mitigate bias and errors
- Transparency in user interactions
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines of up to €30 million or 6% of global revenue. While the AI Act aims to ensure trust in AI, its stringent requirements could slow down Manus AI’s adoption in Europe if it does not meet these standards.
China: Encouraging Innovation with Government Oversight
Conversely, China adopts a more pro-business and experimental approach. The Chinese government actively supports AI development through massive investments and lighter regulations for domestic companies like Monica, the startup behind Manus AI. However, this freedom comes with strict state oversight in areas such as surveillance, censorship, and data analysis.
Unlike Europe, China does not classify AI risk levels in such detail. Instead, it focuses on content control and public usage restrictions to prevent the spread of sensitive information.
You can check our blog article for more information on regulations about AI.
What’s Next for Manus AI?
With strict regulations in Europe and a more flexible model in China, Manus AI could see varying levels of adoption across different regions. If it aligns with the transparency and oversight requirements of the AI Act, it could enter the European market. However, if it remains fully autonomous without human control, it risks being limited to China and other markets with more lenient regulations.
This raises a key question: can an autonomous AI like Manus adapt to European compliance, or will it remain an exclusive technology for less regulated markets?
Key Capabilities of Manus AI
Manus AI stands out for its versatility and ability to handle various tasks:
- CV Analysis and Recruitment: It sorts and evaluates applications based on precise criteria, providing personalized recommendations to recruiters.
- Personalized Travel Planning: Manus AI can create optimized itineraries based on user preferences.
- Financial Market Analysis: It tracks stock trends and generates detailed analytical reports.
- Website Development: Manus AI is capable of creating interactive websites tailored to specific business needs.
A Revolutionary Multi-Agent Architecture
Manus operates using a multi-agent architecture, meaning it divides tasks among specialized modules. This approach allows it to execute tasks in parallel and optimize efficiency.
Additionally, Manus runs in the background, requiring no user intervention, which differentiates it from current AI tools. Its cloud-based system ensures continuous operation, even when the user is offline.
A Step Closer to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?
The emergence of Manus AI raises a crucial question: Are we entering a new era of artificial intelligence?
Some experts believe Manus represents a step toward fully autonomous AI, capable of functioning without pre-programmed instructions.
However, this level of autonomy also raises concerns about data privacy and security. Manus’ Chinese origins have led to questions about its accessibility in regulated markets like Europe and the U.S., where strict data protection laws apply.
What Impact Will Manus AI Have on the Future?
Manus AI has the potential to transform multiple industries, from finance to project management and e-commerce. If the technology delivers on its promises, it could reduce human workload and automate many tedious tasks.
However, its global adoption will depend on how regulatory bodies respond and what legal frameworks are implemented to manage its deployment.
What do you think about this breakthrough? Do you see Manus AI as an opportunity or a risk for the future of artificial intelligence?
