McLaughlin, Obama's deputy CTO, leaves to launch start-ups

Andrew McLaughlin, the nation's deputy chief technology officer, said he is resigning his post to launch two start-ups aimed at technology development in communities in the United States and abroad.

McLaughlin, who previously worked as a Google executive, oversaw many of the White House's Internet policy initiatives including Internet access regulations, the expansion of broadband connections and global cybersecurity. He said was ready to rejoin the private sector after two years in the White House. He will remain in Washington as he launches his start-up ventures. His last day at the White House is Dec 23.

McLaughlin gained special scrutiny from Rep Darryl Issa (R-CA) and some privacy advocates critical of the search giant after it was discovered he corresponded by e-mail to Google employees, which breaks his ethics pledge.