Matt Burgess is a name you might know if you follow the world of tech journalism. He’s not a developer or a hacker. But he writes about them every day with depth, clarity, and style. Whether it’s internet privacy, cyber crime, or digital policy—Matt’s got it covered.
TLDR:
Matt Burgess is a UK-based tech journalist, known for writing about privacy, security, and digital policies. He currently writes for WIRED UK and has also authored a book. His clear and engaging style makes complex topics easy to grasp. This profile explores his career and the impact of his reporting.
Who Is Matt Burgess?
Matt Burgess is a journalist based in the UK. He’s best known for his work with WIRED UK, a top-tier tech magazine. His main focus areas include:
- Cybersecurity
- Privacy and surveillance
- Online regulation and transparency
He has a knack for turning complicated stories into digestible, sometimes even fun, reads. If you’ve ever wondered how your data gets tracked online, chances are Matt has written about it.
How He Got Started
Like many journalists, Matt didn’t start out as a tech expert. According to interviews, he got into the field through his passion for writing and investigative work. He studied journalism and quickly found that tech stories are full of mystery, complexity, and real-world consequences.
He began writing for smaller publications but soon found his niche in the tech world. Joining WIRED UK was a big step. It allowed him to dive deep into stories others might overlook.
What Makes His Work Special?
There are lots of tech writers out there. But Matt stands out. Why?
- Clarity: He makes complex ideas easy to understand.
- Depth: His pieces are well-researched and sourced.
- Relevance: He writes about the issues that matter right now.
- Fairness: He shows multiple sides of a story.
He often dives into Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, which reveal hidden or behind-the-scenes facts from governments and companies. Not every journalist takes the time to do this kind of detailed work. But Matt? He thrives on it.
Key Topics He Covers
Matt isn’t limited to just one type of story. Instead, he explores a range of tech themes. Here are a few areas where he’s made a big impact:
1. Surveillance and Privacy
Matt often writes about how governments and big companies track our actions. From facial recognition to social media monitoring, he asks the tough questions. His stories help people understand where the lines are—and when they’re being crossed.
2. Cybersecurity
Got a password? So do hackers. Matt explains how digital breaches happen and how you can protect yourself. His articles often follow the stories of major data leaks, ransomware attacks, or digital espionage.
3. Regulation and Government Policy
Whether it’s the UK’s Online Safety Bill or the EU’s data protection laws, Matt breaks down what new rules mean for regular people. Are they helping or hurting your online freedom? His writing explores both sides.
Book Author Too?
Yes, Matt Burgess is also a published author! His book is called “Freedom of Information: A Practical Guide for UK Journalists”. It’s a guide for reporters on how to request government data in the UK.
It’s not a Hollywood thriller, but for journalism nerds, it’s gold. It shows how essential transparency is in holding power accountable.
The book reflects his real-life work. He frequently uses public records requests in his own investigations. He also encourages younger journalists to do the same.
Why People Trust Him
In a world full of clickbait headlines and half-baked articles, Matt is a breath of fresh air. Readers and professionals respect him for his honesty, accuracy, and curiosity. He doesn’t just re-hash press releases—he digs deeper.
Plus, he’s active on social media where he shares insights and breaks down stories even further. He’s approachable and often engages with readers, which helps build trust.
Cool Projects and Series
Over the years, Matt Burgess has worked on several big projects and article series. Here are a few worth mentioning:
- UK Surveillance Files: Stories about how the UK government monitors its citizens.
- Internet Infrastructure: Behind-the-scenes looks at the tech that powers the web.
- COVID and Privacy: Tracking how the pandemic affected digital freedoms.
What Others Say About Him
Other journalists often praise Matt for his fairness and thoroughness. Cybersecurity experts also point out how well he translates technical concepts into plain English. That’s not easy!
He’s been invited to speak at conferences, podcasts, and university panels. He also collaborates with privacy advocates and open-government groups. This shows that his work goes beyond just writing—it sparks real conversation and change.
Fun Facts!
- He’s a fan of FOI laws—yes, that’s a real thing!
- He often tweets helpful tips for young journalists.
- He once investigated whether facial recognition was used at concerts.
Despite the heavy topics he covers, Matt stays positive and curious. That energy comes through in his work.
Why It Matters
You might be wondering—why should I care about tech journalism?
Because today, tech is everywhere. It shapes what we see, what we buy, and how we talk. People like Matt are the watchdogs making sure these systems stay fair and honest.
His stories explain not just what is happening, but also why it matters. That helps readers make smarter choices and ask better questions.
Where to Read His Work
Most of Matt’s articles appear on the WIRED UK website. Just visit their tech and security sections. You can also follow him on Twitter (@mattburgess1) where he shares links and thoughts.
He’s also contributed to other outlets, and you might spot his name in books and academic citations. Yes, he’s that legit.
Final Thoughts
Matt Burgess is more than just a tech writer. He’s a translator between two worlds: the complex, coded Web and the everyday people living in it. He’s curious, careful, and always asks meaningful questions.
If you want to understand the digital world—and how to survive it—keep an eye on what Matt publishes next.
In a Nutshell:
- Matt Burgess is a British tech journalist at WIRED UK.
- He writes about cybersecurity, privacy, and tech policy.
- He’s also an author and expert in FOI journalism.
- His work helps simplify the digital world for all of us.