AI Risk Index — September 2026: 37.6

In September 2026, the AI Risk Index averaged 37.6, reaching a peak score of 41 on September 17. Tensions were driven up by headlines including Microsoft warning that uncontrolled AI could create a 'silicon species' rivalling humans, alongside reports of air raid alerts in Riyadh and flight chaos from a software defect. Risk levels were pushed down around September 18 to September 20 following updates regarding Greenpeace reporting power line sabotage at the Zaporizhzhia plant and Russia labeling director Andrey Zvyagintsev a foreign agent. The index touched its lowest point of 34 on September 21. The month wrapped up with Donald Trump announcing that the US will establish an 'AI Force' and appoint an artificial intelligence tsar.

Peak 41 on 2026-09-17 · low 34 on 2026-09-21 · live month, refreshes daily · · AI Risk Index timeline · · World Tension, same month

• Russia ‘sabotaging’ power supply lines at Zaporizhzhia plant: Greenpeace Al Jazeera · 2026-09-18
• Russia labels Cannes-winning director Andrey Zvyagintsev a ‘foreign agent’ Al Jazeera · 2026-09-19
• Saudi Arabia issues first air raid alerts for Riyadh since Houthis escalated attacks BBC World · 2026-09-19
• Flight chaos caused by software defect, says air traffic control body BBC Business · 2026-09-18
• Uncontrolled AI could lead to 'silicon species' rivalling humans, warns Microsoft BBC World · 2026-09-17
• The UK’s King Charles warns AI leaders of ‘existential dangers’ Al Jazeera · 2026-09-17
• Why Trump is all-in on AI despite the warnings BBC World · 2026-09-17
• Trump says US will form 'AI Force' and appoint an artificial intelligence tsar BBC World · 2026-09-20

• Russia ‘sabotaging’ power supply lines at Zaporizhzhia plant: Greenpeace