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  4. Simon Migliano

Simon Migliano

Head of Research

I’m Simon Migliano, an author, an accredited journalist, and the Head of Research and Testing at Top10VPN.com.

I’ve been an avid VPN user for almost two decades, and I love researching, testing, and using VPN apps. I’m not a digital marketer trying to make a quick buck, and I’ll tell you straight up if a VPN sucks.

My work covers all aspects of VPNs, from technical analysis of the software to investigations into the corporate activities of VPN companies. I also explore the broader issues of internet censorship, privacy, and cybersecurity.

My VPN reviews and research into the best VPNs have helped millions of people find a secure app. Helping people get a quality VPN, and avoid some of the awful products out there, is why I do this.

I’m a proud member of the National Union of Journalists, and my research has been featured in Wired, ZDNet, TechRadar, CNet, and many other leading technology publications around the world.

I’ve appeared on BBC Watchdog and Sky News here in the UK, talking about my research to raise awareness of digital privacy. And I’ve been a guest on BBC Radio to discuss internet shutdowns around the world and share advice on public WiFi safety.

Profile Photo of Simon Migliano, Head of Research at Top10VPN.com
Head of Research Simon Migliano mid-conversation in the Top10VPN office

Simon explains his role at Top10VPN and why he's such a believer in VPNs.

My Background

I bring over two decades of experience in technology and research. I started out as a journalist for the Australian Associated Press (AAP) in Sydney, before moving into tech business leadership roles in London and Shanghai.

I was the first person to join Top10VPN.com, and I played a major role in launching the site. I tested all the VPN services and wrote all our reviews and guides.

I’ve relied on both consumer and enterprise VPNs for years. Leading a Shanghai-based team remotely from London, and spending time working in China, gave me first-hand experience of depending on a VPN as a vital anti-censorship tool.

I now spend my time between the UK, the US, and Australia, putting VPNs through their paces on a daily basis and helping our team of researchers do the same.

Research

I’m probably best known for my extensive VPN investigations, alongside in-depth research into internet censorship and privacy. Some of my most notable studies include:

  • Websites Blocked in Russia: tracks and analyzes the thousands of websites officially blocked in Russia since 2022.
  • The Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns: monitors the economic cost of every major internet shutdown around the world since 2019.
  • The Dangers of Free VPNs covers various aspects of the ownership, privacy, and security of free VPN apps.
  • Global Mobile VPN Report: a world-first study of mobile VPN download growth across 70+ countries with year-over-year data back to 2016.
  • UK ISP Over-Blocking: co-authored with Open Rights Group, this investigation into overblocking of websites by UK ISPs revealed over 400 charity, school and social supports sites had been blocked in error.

In the Press

I’m frequently quoted as a VPN expert in privacy-related news stories and features, including The Guardian, BBC News, CNN, CBS News, TIME, the Los Angeles Times, and The Sunday Times.

As well as authoring research for Top10VPN.com, I’ve written about VPN, privacy, and censorship issues for other well-respected sites, including Hackernoon, Reuters, openDemocracy, and TechRadar.

My VPN investigations and wider digital privacy and cybersecurity research have been featured in leading outlets such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Telegraph, Quartz, The Economist, Der Spiegel, NBC News, The Times, Fortune, and Fast Company.

My findings have also received extensive coverage in major foreign-language publications around the world, including Deutsche Welle, CNet Japan, Repubblica, Le Figaro, ZDNet France, PC Magazin, and CNN en Español.

Public Policy & Academia

My ongoing research into the Cost of Internet Shutdowns is regularly cited in public policy documents and academic papers.

Some examples of this include:

Education

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Liverpool.