Key facts
- Donald Trump wants artificial intelligence to be called 'super intelligence'.
- Trump believes 'super intelligence' is a more accurate term than 'artificial intelligence'.
- Experts suggest the term 'super intelligence' is unlikely to gain widespread industry traction.
- Super intelligence is typically defined as an intellect superior to humans and is considered hypothetical.
- Trump argued against regulating AI, stating the US must maintain its lead over China.
- AI is expected to be a topic of discussion between Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
US President Donald Trump has proposed a rebranding of artificial intelligence (AI) to 'super intelligence,' asserting that the current term makes the technology 'sound fake.' Trump stated that from now on, all US documents, and hopefully global ones, will use 'super' instead of 'artificial.' He initiated this change after conducting polls on his Truth Social platform, where 'super intelligence' emerged as the preferred alternative among options like superior intelligence, extreme intelligence, and supreme intelligence.
However, technology experts have expressed skepticism about the proposed name gaining traction within the industry. They note that 'super intelligence' typically refers to a hypothetical future state where an intellect surpasses human capabilities, a concept popularized by philosopher Nick Bostrom. Digital ethics lecturer Simon Coghlan of The University of Melbourne described the rebranding as 'misleading,' arguing it exaggerates current AI capacities. Similarly, computer science lecturer Ben Leong from the National University of Singapore suggested that professionals would likely reserve the term 'SI' for more advanced AI systems not yet realized.
Despite expert reservations, some individuals within Trump's circle have begun using the new terminology. US Chief Technology Officer Ethan Klein referred to Trump as 'The Super Intelligence (SI) President,' while Ambassador Michael Waltz voiced his agreement with the renaming. In contrast, Canada's minister of AI, Evan Solomon, indicated a lack of enthusiasm for renaming initiatives.
Trump has also voiced opposition to regulating AI, emphasizing the need for the US to maintain its technological lead over China. He stated that the US cannot afford to cede an advantage to its key rival in AI, a field he believes will be more significant than the industrial revolution. While acknowledging the need for responsible leadership, Trump indicated that the government would implement controls if necessary. AI is anticipated to be a key topic during an upcoming meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.