US President Donald Trump has called for artificial intelligence to be referred to as “superintelligence”, while pledging that his administration will continue supporting the technology’s development.
Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, Trump argued that the word “artificial” makes intelligence sound less real and said US government documents should adopt the new terminology.
Trump said the US was leading China and other countries in the development of the technology and argued against imposing broad restrictions on its growth.
He described superintelligence as a technology that could have an impact greater than the Industrial Revolution or the internet.
Trump acknowledged that the technology presented challenges but said the US would encourage its development rather than “stifle” growth. He added that the Department of Justice and other law-enforcement agencies would intervene where necessary.
The president’s comments came amid continuing international debate over the risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems and how governments should regulate their development.
Trump said the US would seek to maintain its technological lead while developing the technology “safely and responsibly”.