Signal is built for privacy — HIPAA requires more than privacy
Signal is one of the most respected privacy tools available. Its encryption protocol is used by WhatsApp, Google Messages, and others. Signal retains minimal metadata and cannot access message content. For personal privacy, Signal is excellent. But HIPAA compliance is a regulatory framework, not a privacy standard. HIPAA requires a signed Business Associate Agreement, administrative safeguards, access controls, audit logging, and breach notification procedures. Signal provides none of these because it is designed for privacy, not regulatory compliance.
What HIPAA requires beyond encryption
The HHS HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities and business associates to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for electronic PHI. Encryption is one technical safeguard. A BAA is a legal requirement. Audit logging, access controls, and breach notification are separate obligations. An encrypted channel without a BAA is still a HIPAA violation — HHS has confirmed this in its guidance on cloud service providers and encrypted ePHI.
When Signal makes sense
Signal is an excellent choice for personal privacy, journalism, activism, and any communication where the goal is to minimize metadata and maximize confidentiality. It is not the right choice when the goal is HIPAA-regulated healthcare communication. For that, healthcare teams need a platform that combines encryption with a BAA, audit trail, admin controls, and regulatory compliance — which is what BloomText provides.
