Colorado ADMT rules: hearing and last day for written comments · Oct 26, 2026 · See what changes
Two different things share this name. In research and policy debate, superintelligence means a hypothetical AI system that outperforms humans across most cognitive tasks. In US federal usage since September 29, 2026, Super Intelligence (SI) is the federal executive branch's term for AI: Executive Order 14434 tells federal agencies to use it in place of artificial intelligence in official communications. It applies to federal executive agencies only; no penalty. For now the order defines SI by reference to the existing statutory definition of AI in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3), so it names the same systems and creates no new legal category. A 60-day task asks for proposed legislative language that could later change the statutory definition.
Why this matters for your team
The order changes how federal agencies write, not what private companies must do. Keep citing statutes and state laws by their own terms, and add one alias line to your policy and contract definitions so SI and AI point to the same systems.
On October 8, 2026, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that "The White House considers anyone that uses the term, 'Artificial Intelligence,' as opposed to the highly accepted new and more accurate term, 'Super Intelligence,' THE ENEMY!" The post is not an order and changes no law. Axios reported the same day that Executive Order 14434 offers no penalty for using the term AI, and the order's own text (Section 4(c)) says it creates no right or benefit enforceable at law. Statutes, state AI laws, the EU AI Act and private contracts still say AI.
A federal agency web page says it uses SI tools, while your vendor contract and the state law that applies to you both say AI system.