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U.S. Tech Giants Speak Up for China

Business groups raised alarms Thursday about a provision in the recently enacted government spending bill that makes it harder for some federal agencies to buy technology made in China.

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Web Money Gets Laundering Rule

The U.S. is applying money-laundering rules to “virtual currencies,” amid growing concern that new forms of cash bought on the Internet are being used to fund illicit activities.

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Inventors Race to File Patents

Inventors are rushing to file patent applications ahead of a change in the U.S. patent system that is likely to make it more expensive and difficult to win protection for new ideas.

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EU Develops New Cybersecurity Rules

The European Union will propose new cybersecurity rules Thursday, requiring search engines, energy providers, banks and other companies to report disruptions to government authorities.

Battery Ventures Jump-Starts Avalara With $20 Million in Capital

Retailers often have a hard time figuring out how much customers need to pay in sales tax, but with Avalara’s help, they don’t have to worry about it.

Zynga Confirms It Is Seeking Partners for Online Gambling Initiatives

Operating the largest poker game on Facebook is not enough — Zynga has confirmed that it is exploring the prospects for real-money gambling, and is in active talks with several partners.

U.S. Agency Proposes Total Ban on Talking and Texting While Driving

The National Transportation Safety Board is calling for a nationwide ban on drivers’ use of portable electronics, with the exception of those that aid with driving itself.

News Byte

Feds Formally Bless Google’s $400 Million Admeld Deal

The Department of Justice has formally approved Google’s $400 million Admeld deal without conditions. We told you about this on Monday. Next up for Google: Trying to get that $12.5 billion Motorola deal clear.

Goldman-Facebook Investment Vehicle Already Full; SEC Eyes Disclosure Rules

Goldman Sachs has already received “several billion dollars” worth of commitments to its “special-purpose vehicle” for investing in $1.5 billion worth of Facebook stock, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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Hot Trade in Private Shares of Facebook

Trading in shares of still-private Silicon Valley companies such as Facebook Inc., Twitter Inc. and LinkedIn Corp. has surged in recent months, suggesting strong investor interest in some technology start-ups despite a moribund market for initial public offerings.

Google Shutters Google.cn

Qualcomm Calls for Traffic Shaping