That, in turn, has racked up big bills for internet advertising and office overheads.

ECONOMIST: The Obama campaign

On Wednesday, the House Financial Services Committee passed bills that would eliminate the advertising ban, raise the investor threshold to 1, 000 from 500, and remove restrictions on so-called crowd-funding (when entrepreneurs raise money from relatives or others who aren't SEC-accredited, within certain limits).

WSJ: The Weekend Interview With Barry Silbert: So Who Needs Wall Street?

Soon many mobile phone users will be getting discounts on their phone bills because they have agreed to accept advertising messages on their mobile.

BBC: Eat yourself a win

On matters ranging from tobacco advertising to financial services, the government has promised to introduce seven bills in draft form.

ECONOMIST: Parliament