Microsoft Edge is not HIPAA compliant as a standalone web browser, and it is only suitable for HIPAA regulated use when it is managed, kept supported and patched, and used to access systems that are configured for compliance under an applicable HIPAA Business Associate agreement when required.
Browser choice affects HIPAA Security Rule compliance because unsupported software stops receiving security updates and becomes a predictable entry point for exploitation. Legacy versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer that no longer receive security updates do not support a compliant security posture for systems that create, receive, maintain, or transmit electronic protected health information. Microsoft Edge is a supported replacement browser and can meet the operational requirement for an up to date, security patched browser when it is deployed through centralized device management and aligned with the organization’s risk analysis and risk management process.
Microsoft Edge can still create exposure for protected health information through browsing telemetry, synchronization, saved passwords, autofill, extensions, and interactions with websites that use third party tracking code. HIPAA compliance depends on how the regulated entity configures the endpoint, the browser, and the applications accessed. Controls typically include managed browser policies, restricted extensions, controlled sign in behavior, disabled consumer synchronization for regulated workflows, segregation of regulated and non regulated browsing, and monitoring for unauthorized software and configuration drift.
A HIPAA Business Associate agreement is not a control that makes a browser compliant, but it is a condition for using a vendor’s in scope services to create, receive, maintain, or transmit protected health information on the vendor’s behalf. Microsoft states, “Yes. Microsoft offers its covered entity and business associate customers a Business Associate Agreement that covers in-scope Microsoft services.” The agreement described by Microsoft is directed at defined Microsoft cloud services and professional services, not the Edge browser itself, so regulated entities still need to confirm which Microsoft services are in scope and restrict protected health information from services that are out of scope.
Microsoft is willing to provide a HIPAA Business Associate agreement for in scope Microsoft services, and HIPAA compliant use of Edge remains dependent on supported software status, secure configuration, and disciplined control of tracking technologies and extensions when protected health information is accessible.