The Census Bureau now asks firms about "Super Intelligence"
Simon Willison spotted new Census survey words: the business question now says "Super Intelligence" and notes it was formerly called AI. The first results from that wording were not out yet. An earlier switch to a broader AI-use question also means old and new charts need care.
What the source reports
Simon Willison looked again at Census Bureau survey data on business use of AI. In November 2025, the bureau changed its question. It went from asking about AI in making goods or services to AI in any business function. That broke direct comparison with the old series. Willison then found a second wording change in the form sent to firms from October 19, 2026. It asks about "Super Intelligence," says it was formerly called AI, and lists examples. The Census Bureau says an executive order prompted that update. At the time of Willison’s post, results from the new wording were not out. He could not say whether the new label would change answers. The story is about how a survey question can move the numbers people cite.
Original source
- Title
- The U.S. Census Bureau and “Super Intelligence
- Author
- Simon Willison
- Date
- Monday, November 2, 2026