Key facts
- Justice Department employees must use "super intelligence" and "SI" in place of "artificial intelligence" in public communications and official records.
- The directive applies to court filings when appropriate.
- The change follows a US President Donald Trump executive order mandating the switch within federal agencies.
- Trump stated the change would more accurately reflect the technology's potential.
- Public perception of AI has soured due to hacking incidents raising safety concerns.
The US Justice Department has directed its employees to use the term "super intelligence" (SI) instead of "artificial intelligence" (AI) in most official communications, including court filings, according to a Reuters report. The directive, issued by acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter, stems from a recent executive order by US President Donald Trump.
Trump stated that the terminology change is intended to more accurately reflect the potential of the rapidly advancing technology. The memo specifies that the use of "super intelligence" should be implemented "to the maximum extent permitted by law" in public communications, policy documents, and other official records.
The shift in terminology comes as public perception of artificial intelligence has become more negative, influenced by hacking incidents that have raised safety concerns. Trump has previously expressed reservations about new regulations for AI but has indicated the Justice Department would intervene if necessary.