SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is sticking with the familiar term “artificial intelligence” (AI) even as the Trump administration moves to introduce “Super Intelligence” (SI) as the preferred federal term.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on September 30 directing state agencies to continue using “artificial intelligence” and “AI.” The order comes one day after President Donald Trump issued a federal executive order directing executive-branch agencies to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official communications.
California Keeps the Traditional AI Name
Newsom’s order makes the terminology part of California’s state policy. His administration said the move is connected to the state’s broader approach to AI oversight and worker protections.
The governor also signed several laws addressing workplace uses of AI. The measures include restrictions on using AI to assess workers’ emotions through biometric data, requirements for notices when AI is involved in mass layoffs, and limits on using AI to make firing decisions.
Trump Administration Pushes “Super Intelligence”
Trump’s September 29 executive order says federal agencies should replace “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence” in official correspondence, websites, reports and other non-statutory documents.
The White House says the new terminology reflects the rapidly advancing capabilities of modern AI systems. The order also asks officials to develop a proposed federal definition of “Super Intelligence.”
The different terminology highlights a broader difference between California and the federal government over how AI should be described and regulated.
Source: Associated Press, White House, California Governor’s Office.