Chiara Castro

Chiara Castro

Senior Staff Writer

Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up. She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to [email protected]

With a passion for digital storytelling in all its forms, she also loves photography, video making and podcasting. When she isn't working at her laptop, you can find her reading a book with a glass of wine or beer in her hand. Literature was probably the primary reason for her interest in foreign languages. Italian, English, Spanish and French (in order) so far. She worked and studied across Italy, the UK and New Zealand, for then obtaining a MA in International Journalism from Cardiff University. Originally from Milan in Italy, she has been based in Bristol, UK, since 2018.

Articles by: Chiara Castro

best iPad VPN

The best iPad VPN 2024

By Krishi Chowdhary last updated

Updated Protect your iPad from digital threats and unblock content from around the world.

Session app, website homepage screenshot

Undermining your privacy? Session says no and leaves Australia

By Chiara Castro published

The message is clear – the team at Session isn't willing to compromise users' privacy and landed in Switzerland. Here's what happened.

Hand holding a smartphone opened on social media folder

Mozambique VPN usage soars as internet restrictions continue

By Chiara Castro last updated

While it's the first time the country has resorted to strict internet censorship during protests, VPN usage keeps growing as restrictions are still in place.

Hacker raise hands up to control computer coding, 3D rendering.

Retail and tech firms are hackers' most wanted targets – here's what you can do about it

By Chiara Castro published

New research conducted by Nord Security, the provider behind TechRadar's top VPN pick, reveals the firms most likely to suffer a data breach. Here's all you need to know.

Proton VPN's server network on a laptop

Proton VPN lands on next-generation Windows devices

By Chiara Castro published

Further VPN upgrades are also set to be released over the winter

US Presidential Election background. United States Elections 2024 concept

Americans are turning to VPN services to bet on the US election

By Chiara Castro published

Five days away from the US presidential elections, people are turning to Polymarket VPNs to bet on the winner.

Mobile phone with heart symbol and icons surrounding it with heart symbols for messaging love

Are online dating and data privacy an incompatible match?

By Chiara Castro published

Mozilla is challenging Bumble, a popular dating app, to do better when it comes to users' privacy. Something is slowly changing, but you still need to do your part to protect your data.

Social app icons on a phone screen

VPN usage soars in Mauritius amid pre-election social media shutdown

By Chiara Castro published

Proton VPN recorded a 16000% spike in usage so far, as citizens look for ways to work around restrictions. Digital rights experts urge authorities to end the ban.

China flag with the words "Best VPN for China" overlayed

The best VPN for China 2024

By Andreas Theodorou, Rob Dunne last updated

Updated These reliable working VPNs for China are a must-have software for those living in or just visiting the country.

Surfshark VPN app on an Android phone

Surfshark launches Bypasser for its iPhone VPN app

By Chiara Castro published

The new feature improves VPN flexibility for all Surfshark iPhone and iPad users. Here's why you should use it.

A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.

Best VPN with antivirus of 2024

By Benedict Collins last updated

Bundle and save We feature the best VPN with antivirus bundles, to make it simple and easy to protect both your privacy and your security when online.

Apple logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen photographed with Russian flag in the background for the illustration photo taken in Poland on July 19, 2022.

Apple keeps killing VPN apps upon Russia's orders – Amnezia VPN is the last victim

By Chiara Castro published

Breaking Over 60 VPN apps have been removed at the request of Russian censors since July. Now, it's the time for this popular free VPN service.

ExpressVPN on PC and Windows 10 devices

ExpressVPN now protects you against identity theft – and you can get it for free

By Chiara Castro published

The Identity Defender suite is now available only for new users in the US and it's included with new ExpressVPN's two-year plan alongside its reliable VPN.

Social media icons coming out from a smartphone.

Bumble, Hinge, Instagram, and Facebook already know who you'd vote for

By Chiara Castro published

Dating and social media apps are notorious for being the most data-hungry services. Yet, a new research shed new light on how they collect and sometimes share your political and religious beliefs.

Proton VPN Logo

Proton VPN launches some long-requested features for Apple users

By Chiara Castro published

You can now enjoy a new Apple TV VPN app and Apple Vision Pro compatibility. Here's all you need to know.

A representational concept of a social media network

Half of Americans want the internet to forget about them – but they don't know how

By Chiara Castro published

A recent NordVPN and Incogni joint research shows that people are increasingly worried about their privacy and seek more control. Here's what you can do about it.

Mullvad VPN working on a laptop

Mullvad beefs up its defense against AI surveillance and censorship

By Chiara Castro published

This top VPN provider is now even better at protecting against AI surveillance and online censorship. Here's all you need to know about the new advanced security features.

Meta social media icons are being displayed on a smartphone among Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Threads, and other products, with the Meta icon visible in the background.

Give Meta my face recognition data? I'd rather lose my Instagram account

By Chiara Castro published

Despite the security benefits, Facebook's parent company's bad track record when it comes to protecting our data rather scares me.

Tor

Tor Browser releases major service update with privacy, security, and usability boost

By Chiara Castro published

Breaking Tor Browser 14.0 integrates one year's worth of essential upgrades to offer stronger protections against online threats and more user-friendly software. Here's all you need to know.

Russian flag on a laptop

Russia blocks almost 200 VPN services, but the Kremlin still wants to use them

By Chiara Castro published

Breaking While the battle against VPNs in Russia intensified, the Kremlin has already spent about $145 million on government VPNs this year. Here's all you need to know.

VPN apps running on various devices during TechRadar's testing

TechRadar’s new VPN rankings just landed – and there are some big changes

By Chiara Castro published

While our regular tests often confirm rather than revolutionize the top VPN list, there have been quite a few changes this time around. Here's what it means for you.

NHS

Before moving from "analogue to digital," the NHS has to fix its privacy flaws

By Chiara Castro published

"Patient passports" promise to fix UK's flawed health system. Yet, they could eventually lead to a security and privacy nightmare for our most sensitive data.

Turkey flag waving in the wind

Turkey restored access to social media platforms blocked following Ankara blast

By Chiara Castro last updated

Breaking You need a VPN to keep accessing X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Yet, also these apps may be restricted.

Encryption Summit event's promo image held by the Global Encryption Coalition on October 21, 2024.

I attended the 2024 Encryption Summit - here are my 5 takeaways

By Chiara Castro published

I attended the second edition of the virtual event to shed light on the need for encryption and the challenges this tech faces. Here's what I learned.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in hazel color showing cameras and Google G logo

Are the new Google Pixel phones spying on you?

By Chiara Castro published

Google denies it, but researchers found they share your private data every 15 minutes

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