Ethical Issues and Concerns of AI in Medical Imaging

By Brandon Hughes | March 27, 2026

With the continual rise of AI in society, it is fitting to examine the role AI has played in medical imaging. AI is described as machines imitating cognitive functions naturally applied by humans. Used in medical imaging for decades, the benefits of AI in medical imaging include image interpretation, image reconstruction, reduction in radiation dose, and improved image quality. As with any technology, AI in medical imaging is accompanied by its own unique considerations, including ethical concerns. Ethical issues with AI in medical imaging include explainability, transparency, accuracy, privacy, generalizability, trust, accountability, oversight, patient and societal well-being, fear of radiologist replacement, responsibility, and legality. The reliability of AI in image diagnosis, lack of transparency, the black box phenomenon, and patient confidentiality concerns are of particular importance for medical imaging. Given these
concerns a regulatory framework is necessary to ensure AI is used in an ethical manner.