Trump Creates Federal Task Force to Coordinate Superintelligence Efforts in the US

US President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new federal task force called the “Super Intelligence Force.” The group will be led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton. According to Trump, the group will coordinate the federal government’s work in the field of superintelligence. Its goal is to maintain US leadership in this technology, protect the country’s interests and improve citizens’ lives.

Jay Clayton will also serve as the administration’s chief coordinator for artificial intelligence and superintelligence. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson has been appointed deputy chairman. Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor will also serve as deputy chairmen. Clayton previously said that it would be irresponsible for the US to retreat from the field of artificial intelligence while China is advancing.

The task force will have 120 days to prepare a report on the risks artificial intelligence could pose and the new opportunities it could create. The group must also develop plans to address potential public threats arising from superintelligence. Its charter calls for avoiding excessive regulations that could weaken innovation and competition. Clayton considers failing to finish first in the race one of the greatest risks.

Although Donald Trump did not take discussions about artificial intelligence safety seriously in September, he announced that he would create a separate AI group and appoint someone to oversee the field. In an executive order he later signed, he sought to present the concept of AI under the term “superintelligence.” The term was also adopted in a nonbinding safety statement signed by technology leaders at the White House. The new task force’s name was chosen in line with that approach.