The effects of the Year 2000 problem can be minimized through the coordinated and collaborative domestic and international efforts of individuals, organizations and government agencies. The free flow of information is essential to the effectiveness of these efforts. Protection must be practically enforceable and cover not only collectors, designers and disseminators of Year 2000 information, but all sources who legally volunteer essential Year 2000-related information not otherwise available. Failure to swiftly pass legislation that protects the free flow of information needed for Year 2000 remediation would adversely affect numerous current and future efforts aimed at reducing national and international harm from the Year 2000 problem. Due to the widespread existence of ambiguous date representations in information systems and databases, a significant percentage of the world's digital systems, computers and information infrastructure are at risk of operating unpredictably or failing completely on, before, or after January 1, 2000.
Current projects focus largely on pre-rollover prevention.
The Year 2000 problem is far more about maintaining the installed base of infrastructure, including data, than it is about purchasing new technology. Installation of new hardware and software does not assure protection against Year 2000 problems. Not only can hardware and software created in the last few years exhibit Year 2000 problems, but at this late stage, the effort required to integrate new technology with existing technology, data and practices can be a more harmful distraction than a potential solution. The Year 2000 problem is symptomatic of a number of problems occurring through the use of new technology. The law contains important protections of critical information flow for 2000 information disclosure.