superintelligence n. (research, since the 1990s) Super Intelligence n. (US government, since 2026)
Super intelligence already means something else
The new name for AI isn't new. It was already taken, by an idea about machines far smarter than us.
Researchers use superintelligence for a hypothetical system that outperforms people at almost every intellectual task. Today's AI doesn't do that. Calling it super intelligence blurs the line between what exists and what doesn't.
A word with a job already
Nick Bostrom, the philosopher who popularised the term, described superintelligence as an intellect that greatly exceeds human cognitive performance in virtually all domains. It's the "after AGI" stage in most researchers' vocabulary, and the focus of a lot of AI safety work.
So when a government starts using the same words for the tools on your phone, two things happen at once. The everyday tools sound more powerful than they are, and the serious idea gets watered down.
What the critics say
Experts quoted in coverage of the rename were sceptical. Cornell historian Ronald Kline told AFP that "super intelligence" means going beyond human intelligence, not simulating it. Computer scientist Kokil Jaidka said not all of today's AI platforms show signs of super intelligence. One commentator noted that the all-powerful machine mind is the oldest trope in science fiction, which makes it an odd choice of name for a technology many people are already nervous about.
The name doesn't change the thing
The order itself is clear: for now, SI means exactly what AI meant. The order borrows the existing legal definition of artificial intelligence. Nothing about the technology changed on 29 September.
What to do as a writer
Keep "superintelligence" (one word) for the research idea, and say AI for today's technology. If you need to mention the US label, explain it. Your readers shouldn't have to guess which one you mean.