And what happens if they do make a mistake? Could you imagine the effects to society if this Complete Database were leaked -- if everyone's internet record were made public? It's mind-boggling.
[Spoiler alert!] Someone makes a cheap time viewer (able to view only the past), forgetting that "5 minutes ago" is in the past. In the end the design leaks to the public, and the characters contemplate what they've just unleashed.