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US President Donald Trump has once again fueled the debate surrounding artificial intelligence by signing a significant executive order. Under this order, the federal government has been directed to use the terms “Super Intelligence” (SI) instead of “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) in official operations. Trump described this as an accurate reflection of the technology’s rapidly expanding capabilities. A press release stated that the US is at the forefront of a new technological revolution. The capabilities of modern systems have far surpassed the scope originally envisioned when the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined.
Donald Trump stated that, given these growing capabilities, a name change has become necessary. Trump’s new order comes amidst ongoing debates regarding AI. Consequently, executive departments and agencies are now required—within the bounds of the law—to use only the terms “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official documents, public messages, websites, reports, policy documents, and other non-statutory records. This move is seen as an effort to give the technology a new identity and highlight its true power.
Why does Trump want to change the name of AI?
Donald Trump asserts that the US is far ahead of the rest of the world in the field of artificial intelligence. American companies and research initiatives are embedding human-like intelligence into machines, thereby propelling creativity to new heights. The White House stated that this creativity and capability are expanding beyond the confines of “Artificial Intelligence” and into the realm of “Super Intelligence,” making a name change essential.
No need to fear AI
The order also provides a definition for “Super Intelligence.” To this end, the President’s Science and Technology Advisor is required to submit a draft of the proposed regulation within 60 days. This process will also evaluate whether the existing legal definition of AI requires modification. This move comes at a time when the growing influence and potential risks of AI are being discussed at the United Nations.
