Why Relying on Google/Internet/Ai for Legal Advice is a Dangerous Game: Understanding the Risks of Internet Advice
International Family Lawyer || LLM Candidate at University of California, School of Law.Â
February 23, 2023
"Oh, of course! Because if there's one thing that beats years of legal education and experience, it's a quick Google search."
In the digital age today, it is customary for individuals to go to the Internet to seek advice on just about any subject. However, when dealing with legal issues, it can be dangerous to rely on the Internet for advice. Although the Internet is a huge database, it is important to realize that not every piece of information is correct or trustworthy, especially where legal advice is concerned.
Lack of Context
A major problem with reliance on the Internet is that it lacks context. Legal questions are seldom simple and often there are many factors that need to be taken into account. On the other, the Internet delivers quick, superficial answers without taking into account the nuance of a given situation. This may lead to a misreading of the Act and potentially do more damage than good.
Inaccuracy
Another problem with accessing legal advice on the Internet is the risk of inaccuracies. Although there are reliable sources for legal information on the Internet, many of them are untrustworthy or out-of-date. In addition, laws may vary between states, or even between countries, and websites that provide legal information might not take into account these differences. This can give rise to wrong advice, which can have very serious consequences.
Additionally, online legal advice can be biased and incomplete. The Internet is rife with misinformation, and propaganda, and many Web sites can propagate a particular viewpoint or agenda. Legal counsel from these sources may be unilateral and might not take into account all relevant regulatory factors.
No Attorney-Client Relationship
Perhaps the biggest reason not to rely on the Internet is the absence of a relationship between lawyer and client. When consulting with a lawyer, they have an ethical or legal obligation to work in their best interest. They can offer you personal advice on the basis of your particular circumstances and, if necessary, represent you before the courts. The Internet, by contrast, cannot offer that level of customized attention or representation.
Complex Legal Processes
Legal litigation can be complicated, and trying to deal with it without adequate guidance may be discouraging. From the filing of papers to the understanding of litigation, many steps are taken to solve legal problems. Without guidance from an experienced lawyer, it is easy for mistakes to be made with serious consequences.
Potential Legal Consequences
Finally, reliance on the Internet to obtain legal advice may have severe legal consequences. If you take advice that proves to be wrong, you may end up being fined, or even prosecuted. Furthermore, the attempt to represent oneself in court, without the appropriate knowledge or experience, can lead to an unfavorable outcome. The very case that would favor you, would blow up in your face.
In summary, although the Internet can be useful for a lot of things, it does not include legal advice. The absence of contextual context, the potential for inaccuracies, and the lack of a relationship between lawyer and client make relying on online resources for legal advice risky. Instead, it is best to seek advice from a qualified Lawyer who can offer personal advice and legal representation on the basis of your particular situation. Do not take any risks when it comes to your legal questions - get advice from an experienced expert.