Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI)

Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) refers to a situation where foreign entities have significant ownership or influence over a U.S. company, particularly in sectors critical to national security. This can raise concerns about sensitive information and technology potentially being accessed or misused by foreign interests. To protect national security, U.S. government agencies may review these arrangements and impose restrictions or require divestment if necessary. FOCI assessments help ensure that a company's operations align with national security interests, especially in defense, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure sectors.