What happened
The U.S. Department of Justice issued internal guidance requiring staff to use the term 'Super Intelligence' instead of 'AI' in official documents and legal filings. Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter relayed this directive in a memo, referencing a September 29 executive order that mandates the terminology change across federal agencies.
A senior official at the U.S. Department of Justice, Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter, directed staff to replace the term 'AI' with 'Super Intelligence' in official communications. This instruction was conveyed in a memo reviewed by Bloomberg Law and applies to court filings 'when appropriate.'
The directive references a September 29 executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which requires federal agencies to adopt this terminology 'to the maximum extent permitted by law.' McCotter emphasized that this policy extends to attorney filings in court, aligning with the administration's broader efforts to manage public perceptions of artificial intelligence.
Source details: news.bloomberglaw.com ↗
Why it matters
This directive signals a significant shift in federal legal language, potentially influencing how AI is framed in judicial proceedings and public policy. By mandating specific terminology, the administration aims to shape public perception and legal standards around AI capabilities. This move may impact ongoing litigation, regulatory compliance, and the broader discourse on , as courts and legal professionals must now navigate these new linguistic requirements in their filings and arguments.
The adoption of 'Super Intelligence' as the standard federal term for AI represents a deliberate effort to reframe the technology in legal and public contexts. This linguistic shift may influence how judges, lawyers, and the public perceive the capabilities and risks associated with AI systems.
By mandating this terminology in court filings, the DOJ is setting a precedent that could affect legal arguments, regulatory interpretations, and the development of AI-related case law. This move underscores the administration's focus on controlling the narrative around AI, potentially impacting future policy debates and judicial outcomes.
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What to watch next
Monitor how federal courts respond to filings using the term 'Super Intelligence' and whether this terminology gains traction in legal precedents. Watch for potential legal challenges to the executive order's mandate and its impact on other federal agencies' communications. Additionally, observe the reaction from the legal community and AI industry to this standardized terminology in official documents.
Legal professionals and courts will need to adapt to this new terminology, which could lead to confusion or challenges in interpreting existing AI-related laws and regulations. The impact on ongoing cases and future litigation will be a key area to monitor.
The reaction from other federal agencies and the broader legal community will indicate whether this terminology becomes widely adopted or faces resistance. Additionally, the potential for legal challenges to the executive order's mandate will be a significant factor in determining the long-term impact of this policy change.