Trump Discusses AI Rebranding at UN

At a recent United Nations briefing on emerging technologies, a senior technology advisor remarked that the label “artificial” can mislead people into thinking a system is fake. “The use of the word artificial makes it sound fake,” he told the UN. “It’s not fake, it’s actually amazing.” The statement was made in the context of a broader discussion on the role of synthetic biology and artificial intelligence in addressing climate change and food security.

The advisor explained that the term “artificial” simply denotes a human‑made or engineered solution rather than a natural one. He highlighted how artificial intelligence models, synthetic proteins, and engineered microbes are now capable of performing tasks that were once thought exclusive to biological organisms. By clarifying that these innovations are real and functional, he aimed to counter the stigma that “artificial” implies inferior or counterfeit technology.

His remarks underscore the importance of precise language when evaluating new technologies. By reframing the conversation around the genuine capabilities of engineered systems, the UN officials noted that accurate terminology will help policymakers and the public better assess the benefits and risks of these rapidly evolving tools.