US Justice Dept tells staff to call AI ’super intelligence’ under Trump order

The US Justice Department has instructed its staff to refer to artificial intelligence as "super intelligence" in most situations, including court proceedings, following an executive order by President Donald Trump, according to a memo obtained by Reuters. Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter issued the directive, citing Trump's mandate to accurately represent the potential of rapidly advancing technology.

DOJ employees are required to use the terms "super intelligence" and "SI" in place of "artificial intelligence" in public communications, policy documents, and official records, as permitted by law. The directive also applies to court filings when appropriate. The move comes amidst concerns over public perception of AI, which has become increasingly negative due to recent hacking incidents that raise safety questions.

While Trump has been resistant to new regulations for the technology, he has stated that the Justice Department would intervene if necessary.