Trump opts for voluntary AI rules and a new name
The White House is opting for self-regulation and wants artificial intelligence officially to be called Super Intelligence from now on.
There is news on this story (Saturday, 3 October 2026, 15:00): From AI to SI: new name, old problem
The Trump administration is provisionally opting for voluntary agreements with technology companies instead of new federal safety rules for AI. At the same time, an executive order requires US government agencies to use the term Super Intelligence in official communications.
President Donald Trump presented a voluntary agreement on AI with technology companies at the end of September. According to Reuters, the document contains agreements on matters including safety and testing, but remains legally non-binding. The agreement leaves open the possibility that parts of it may later be incorporated into legislation or regulations.
A separate executive order dated 29 September gives the name change a formal basis within the executive branch. US government agencies must, where the law permits, refer to artificial intelligence as Super Intelligence, abbreviated to SI. Existing laws, contracts and previously issued rules do not need to be rewritten.
The order also instructs the White House's science and technology adviser to submit proposals within sixty days for a legal definition of Super Intelligence. This does not mean that a new federal AI law is already in place. It concerns preparations for possible legislation.
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly played down the need for stricter AI rules. The Associated Press reported that he dismissed warnings about uncontrollable AI risks as exaggerated or called them a hoax. At the same time, some companies and AI researchers are calling for independent testing, safety standards and oversight.
The US Congress has not yet adopted a broad federal framework for AI. As a result, states are developing their own rules covering matters including chatbots, employers and consumer protection. The combination of voluntary agreements at federal level and differing rules from state to state could leave companies facing different obligations.
For technology companies, the approach creates scope to develop new systems quickly without immediately having to comply with a single national safety regime. The counterargument is that voluntary promises are harder to enforce when companies fail to honour their commitments or when harm only becomes visible afterwards.
For European companies, the order does not directly change their obligations under the European AI Act. The US approach could, however, influence international standards, product development and competition between US and European AI providers. The question of whether self-regulation is sufficient therefore remains open both in Washington and Brussels.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The White House has published an executive order on terminology and preparations for legislation.
- The agreement with technology companies is voluntary.
- No broad federal AI oversight framework has yet been adopted.
- US states are developing some of their own rules.
Left
Arguments AI systems can have major consequences for workers, consumers and public information. Enforceable safety standards, liability and independent oversight are therefore needed before companies roll out new systems on a large scale.
Values Public protection, equality and democratic oversight.
Consequences Strict rules can limit risks, but may also slow the development of applications.
Centre
Arguments A combination of voluntary standards and targeted legislation can give innovation room while addressing the greatest risks. The government should first organise measurable standards and oversight before regulating everything uniformly.
Values Proportionality, practicality and innovation with safeguards.
Consequences A phased approach can produce workable rules, but requires continuous evaluation and enforcement.
Right
Arguments The United States must retain its technological lead and prevent heavy regulation from driving companies to other countries. Companies can act faster than legislators and should be given room to develop their own safety standards.
Values Competitiveness, entrepreneurship and limited government intervention.
Consequences Fewer rules can stimulate investment and innovation, but increase the risk that oversight lags behind the technology.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The factual description of the executive order and the voluntary agreement is based on official documents and Reuters. Interpretations of the consequences are presented as possible effects.
- confirmed The White House requires executive agencies to call AI Super Intelligence in official communications. — This is stated in the executive order of 29 September 2026. source
- confirmed A proposal for a legal definition must be prepared within sixty days. — The deadline is set out in section 3 of the order. source
- confirmed The agreement with technology companies is voluntary and not directly binding as federal law. — Reuters describes the agreement and states that later codification in legislation or regulations is possible. source
- confirmed Trump dismissed warnings about AI risks as a hoax or exaggerated. — The AP describes Trump's statements on AI regulation and risks. source
- confirmed US states are developing their own AI rules while a broad federal framework is absent. — The AP describes the federal impasse and initiatives at state level. source
Editor's note
The executive order and the voluntary agreement have been confirmed. The consequences for innovation, safety and European companies are possible effects, not established outcomes.Sources
- Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence — The White House
- Trump releases AI accord with tech executives — Reuters
- Trump downplays the need to check AI development — Associated Press
- Trump tried to block state AI regulations, but some states are forging ahead — Associated Press
The story so far
- Saturday, 3 October 2026, 09:19 Trump opts for voluntary AI rules and a new name (this article)
- Saturday, 3 October 2026, 15:00 From AI to SI: new name, old problem
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „kunstmatige intelligentie”
- de Volkskrant — „kunstmatige intelligentie”
- NOS — „kunstmatige intelligentie”