Upvote:16
The Technology Alert List is real, but it is not a list of words to avoid in interviews. It is a list of "critical fields" of activity. Students engaging in those critical fields are considered at higher risk of "violating U.S. laws prohibiting the export of goods, technology or sensitive information from the U.S." (espionage). Engagement in one of those fields may "render you inadmissible under INA section 212 (a)(3)(a)".
In summary, it's not about what words you say in your interview, it's about what area of study you are engaging in. If you are studying in "nuclear technology", somehow managing to avoid saying the words "nuclear" or "technology" are not going to make you admissible. You should of course refrain from making it sound like you are working in one of these areas if you are not, remembering that immigration officials are probably not scientists. Avoiding calling your work "nuclear" or "encryption" if possible is probably good.
The list of critical areas is quite wide-ranging and not obviously dangerous, ranging from "biochemistry" to "urban planning".
An example discussing the list can be found here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/isss/immigration/travel/visa-renewal-information/technology-alert/