Matt Burgess is a senior writer and deputy digital editor at WIRED UK, specializing in technology policy, cybersecurity, and corporate accountability. With over a decade of experience, he has become a trusted authority on data regulation and digital rights in the European context.
Based in London, Burgess’s work bridges technical expertise and accessible storytelling, making him indispensable for understanding Europe’s digital transformation.
Matt Burgess has carved a niche as a leading voice in technology journalism, specializing in cybersecurity, data privacy, and the intersection of law and innovation. His career began in local UK journalism, where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and freedom of information (FOI) advocacy. Early roles at regional newspapers and press agencies laid the groundwork for his transition to national and international tech coverage. In 2015, Burgess joined WIRED UK as a staff writer, later rising to deputy digital editor. His work here has positioned him at the forefront of debates on digital rights and corporate accountability.
“Transparency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the bedrock of trust in the digital age.”
This 2024 investigation dissects the UK’s evolving cybersecurity landscape, blending policy analysis with interviews from MI5 officials and ethical hackers. Burgess traces the rise of ransomware attacks since the 2017 WannaCry crisis, highlighting both governmental successes and persistent vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. The piece underscores his ability to translate technical concepts like end-to-end encryption into accessible narratives while maintaining investigative rigor.
Expanding on his book research, this 2023 feature explores Netflix’s algorithmic curation strategies and their cultural implications. Burgess contrasts Hastings’ data-driven approach with traditional media models, incorporating exclusive interviews with content moderators and financial analysts. The article exemplifies his knack for connecting corporate strategy to societal trends, particularly in streaming’s impact on creative industries.
Published in The Economist in 2024, this op-ed critiques the EU’s AI Act through case studies of facial recognition misuse in public surveillance. Burgess argues for “adaptive regulation” frameworks, citing Singapore’s sandbox approach to AI testing. The piece demonstrates his cross-jurisdictional analysis skills and ability to engage with policymakers.
Burgess prioritizes stories where technology intersects with legislative action. A successful pitch might examine how proposed UK Online Safety Bill amendments could affect encryption standards, citing his 2024 analysis of the EU’s Digital Services Act. Provide access to legal experts or whistleblowers within regulatory bodies like Ofcom.
His Netflix coverage reveals interest in how tech giants shape cultural norms. Pitch investigations into algorithmic bias in streaming recommendations, particularly with hard data on content diversity metrics. Avoid superficial “tech innovation” stories lacking critical analysis.
With his background in freedom of information laws, Burgess appreciates pitches using FOI-obtained data. For example, a story about local government cybersecurity spending disparities could pair FOI requests with interviews from under-resourced IT directors.
While Burgess covers AI infrastructure, he rarely reviews consumer products like smart home devices. Focus instead on systemic issues—e.g., how IoT manufacturers handle vulnerability disclosures.
His strongest work synthesizes perspectives from technologists, lawyers, and civil society. When pitching a story about biometric data collection, include quotes from both AI developers and human rights activists.
Awarded by the Chartered Institute of Information Security for his exposé on vulnerabilities in NHS patient data systems. The judging panel noted his “unparalleled ability to make infosec issues tangible to general audiences.”
His Netflix biography received recognition from the Financial Times/McKinsey Awards for its innovative analysis of data-driven content strategies. The work has been cited in academic papers on media economics.
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