What is the outcome when a petitioner succeeds in a reverse FOIA suit?

When a petitioner succeeds in a reverse FOIA suit, the outcome is that the agency is prohibited from disclosing specific information. This occurs when a party, often a business or individual, seeks to prevent a government agency from releasing documents that the agency possesses under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In such cases, the petitioner argues that the disclosure of this information would cause them harm, such as revealing trade secrets or other sensitive information.

The court’s ruling in favor of the petitioner results in an injunction against the agency, thereby ensuring that the specific information in question remains confidential and is not shared with the public. This form of protection emphasizes the balance between the public's right to know and the need to protect proprietary or sensitive information that could be detrimental to private interests if disclosed.