In the closing years of the last millennium, many were concerned about the “Year 2000 Problem” (aka Y2K). According to this Securities and Exchange Commission interpretive release:

The “Year 2000 problem” arose because many existing computer programs use only the last two digits to refer to a year. Therefore, these computer programs do not properly recognize a year that begins with “20” instead of the familiar “19.” If not corrected, many computer applications could fail or create erroneous results. The extent of the potential impact of the Year 2000 problem is not yet known, and if not timely corrected, it could affect the global economy.

The California legislature was also concerned and enacted legislation to address the impending crisis. One bill, SB 1173 (Vasconcellos) amended the Civil Code to immunize, with certain exceptions, “any person that discloses information regarding the Year 2000 Problem or any potential solutions to the problem . . . “.  Cal. Civ. Code § 3270. Despite widespread concern, California survived the Year 2000 Problem. Nonetheless, it’s good to know that more than a decade and half later, people can still talk about the problem with minimal fear of tort liability.