[DigitalToday reporter Chi-gyu Hwang] The United States is taking steps to withdraw from multiple international organisations responsible for cyber security and countering hybrid threats, following instructions from President Donald Trump.

Techzine reported on Jan. 13, citing local media outlet Computing, that the U.S. administration made the decision after judging the bodies to be inefficient and not aligned with U.S. national interests.

The move is part of a broader shift in foreign policy direction, and the United States is set to withdraw from a total of 66 international organisations. Those targeted include the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise and the International Law Commission.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to what he called structural inefficiency, waste of resources and frequent conflicts with U.S. sovereignty and autonomy. He said, "As a result of the assessment, there is no longer justification to participate."

Cybersecurity experts are concerned the decision could have a negative impact on countries' ability to respond to cyber threats. They say that if information sharing and joint responses weaken at a time when digital attacks are becoming more sophisticated and larger in scale, gaps could emerge when cooperation between countries is needed.

Until recently, the United States has played a central role in international cyber coalitions, including efforts to disrupt ransomware groups, respond to foreign election interference and coordinate responses to major cyber incidents. Critics say a U.S. exit from a system in which governments, intelligence agencies and companies share knowledge and coordinate responses is expected to hit both technical expertise and funding support.

The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, which the United States has decided to leave, is a consultative body that addresses cybercrime, defence of critical infrastructure and strengthening digital capabilities. Interpol and global IT companies also take part.

Alexandra Givens, head of the Center for Democracy and Technology, said, "This decision is a signal that the United States is moving further away from the international joint effort to protect digital rights and advance democratic values."