When can an agency release adverse information according to administrative law?

An agency may release adverse information as a method of enforcing laws because this action is often necessary for the public interest and to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. When an agency identifies violations or harmful behaviors, disseminating this information can serve multiple enforcement purposes, such as encouraging compliance among regulated entities, informing the public about potential risks, or deterring future violations. This aligns with the agency’s duty to uphold standards and protect the public, making the release of such information a legitimate exercise of their enforcement authority.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the standard legal functions of an agency. Releasing information for advertising purposes could lead to misleading representations and does not serve a regulatory or protective function. Securing funding is usually unrelated to the dissemination of adverse information and would not be a sound basis for such actions. Lastly, releasing adverse information only during a court hearing confines the information to a judicial context, limiting the agency's ability to communicate important regulatory matters effectively. This would not fulfill the agency's broader enforcement obligations that often operate outside of the courtroom.