NOFORN, an acronym for NO FOREIGN DISSEMINATION, is a critical control marking used by the U.S. government to signify that information may not be disseminated in any form to foreign governments, foreign nationals, foreign or international organizations, or non-U.S. citizens. It acts as a stringent barrier, restricting access to sensitive U.S. information exclusively to U.S. citizens unless specific authorization is granted.
Understanding NOFORN Dissemination Control
This control marking is a vital tool for safeguarding sensitive data, often applied to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) as well as classified materials. Its primary purpose is to protect national security interests, intelligence, and proprietary government information from unauthorized disclosure to foreign entities.
Key Characteristics of NOFORN:
- Strict Access Control: Information marked NOFORN is limited to individuals who are U.S. citizens and have a legitimate need-to-know, typically within U.S. government agencies, defense contractors, or authorized personnel.
- Purpose: It prevents intelligence adversaries from gaining insight into U.S. operations, technologies, or strategies, and protects sensitive data that could be exploited.
- Application: NOFORN is a common marking within departments like the Department of Defense (DoD), intelligence agencies, and other government entities dealing with national security.
- Not a Classification Level: While often appearing on classified documents, NOFORN itself is a dissemination control marking, not a classification level (like Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret). It specifies who can see the information, regardless of its classification status.
Who Cannot Receive NOFORN Information?
The core principle of NOFORN is to prevent any form of disclosure to non-U.S. entities.
| Category of Prohibited Recipient | Description |
|---|---|
| Foreign Governments | Any official government entity outside the United States. |
| Foreign Nationals | Individuals who are not U.S. citizens. |
| Foreign Organizations | Non-U.S. based private companies, non-profits, or other groups. |
| International Organizations | Bodies composed of multiple countries (e.g., NATO, United Nations) |
| Non-U.S. Citizens | Any individual who does not hold U.S. citizenship. |
Practical Implications and Examples
The application of NOFORN has significant practical implications for information sharing and collaboration:
- International Partnerships: While the U.S. often collaborates with allies, information marked NOFORN cannot be shared in those partnerships without a specific, high-level authorization process. This means data must be carefully vetted and, if necessary, de-NOFORNed or summarized without sensitive details before sharing.
- Contractor Requirements: Companies working on U.S. government contracts that involve NOFORN information must implement strict access controls, often requiring all personnel handling the data to be U.S. citizens and hold appropriate security clearances.
- Training and Awareness: Personnel handling government information are regularly trained on the meaning and implications of NOFORN, emphasizing the severe consequences of unauthorized disclosure, which can include legal penalties and significant damage to national security.
- Information Systems: Systems that store NOFORN information must be designed and operated to prevent foreign access, including robust cybersecurity measures and strict user authentication based on citizenship.
By strictly limiting the dissemination of specific information, NOFORN plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive U.S. government assets and maintaining national security.
[[Government Information Control]]
