Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2026

Keywords

2001, HAL, Formal Opinion 512, 512, competence, confidentiality, communication, artificial intelligence, AI, generative artificial intelligence, GAI

Abstract

In Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, the spaceship’s onboard computer, HAL, calmly refuses to follow the astronaut’s command with the chilling words, “I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.” HAL’s response has become a cultural shorthand for what happens when human expectations collide with machine limitations. The line endures because it captures the chilling reality that machines may appear capable, but they cannot always be trusted to act in ways humans expect or need.

This installment explores three pillars of Formal Opinion 512: competence, confidentiality, and communication. These pillars focus on what lawyers need to understand about artificial intelligence, how they must safeguard client information when using these new tools, and when they are required to disclose its use to clients.

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