What happens when AI gets it wrong – and who’s actually on the hook?

In this episode of Contrast & Clarity with the JACR, we sit down with Tanya E. Karwaki, JD, PhD, author of the JACR opinion piece “Balancing Artificial Intelligence Risks and Benefits in an Evolving Legal Environment,” to unpack one of the most uncomfortable – but unavoidable topics in radiology AI: legal risk.

AI adoption in radiology is accelerating, with more than a thousand FDA-approved tools already in circulation. But the legal framework governing their use? Still very much under construction. Dr. Karwaki walks us through why increasing lawsuits may be inevitable, how malpractice standards evolve alongside new technologies, and what radiologists should understand about liability when AI recommendations are followed—or ignored.

From informed consent and data privacy to emerging state-level legislation and disclosure requirements, this conversation provides critical context for anyone navigating AI implementation in clinical practice today.

If you’re using AI, thinking about using AI, or wondering where the legal guardrails actually are—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Find the JACR article here: https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(25)00438-7/abstract