
George Phillips
George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. He has long been a trade union activist and political campaigner, so channels this experience into his work surrounding internet censorship and privacy and is well aware of the dangers posed to individual's internet freedoms.
George constantly uses VPNs on all of his devices, very rarely turning them off. He is always aware of his personal data and how he, and VPNs, can protect it.
Before joining Tom's Guide, he completed an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and has experience writing and producing content for music, education, and wellbeing publications. As well as writing, George is a keen podcast and audio producer.
Outside of work, George is passionate about music, regularly attending gigs, collecting vinyl, and playing guitar. George is also a huge Star Wars fan and holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate.
Latest articles by George Phillips

VPN Deal of the Week: NordVPN is giving away Amazon gift vouchers worth up to $50
By George Phillips published
This week's VPN Deal of the Week comes from NordVPN. You can grab Amazon vouchers worth up to $50 on all two-year plans, starting with NordVPN Plus.

Russia blocks Telegram and WhatsApp – and not every VPN can help you regain access
By George Phillips published
Russia has restricted Telegram and blocked WhatsApp. VPNs should be able to help you access the apps, but using obfuscating protocols is a must.

ExpressVPN proves it can be trusted with your data as it announces 4 new ISO certifications alongside a fresh transparency report
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN is reaffirming its high security standards with the announcement of four new ISO certifications. It has also released its H2 2025 transparency report.

Surfshark's emergency VPN program has helped 100 journalists and activists across 9 countries work 'in some of the world’s most complex environments'
By George Phillips published
Surfshark's partnership with Internews had seen 100 journalists and activists, in nine countries, provided with free VPN subscriptions. And it's not stopping there.

ExpressVPN finally gets local pricing – here's why that's good news for you
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has moved away from USD-based pricing and is starting to support payment in localised currencies. Here's what that means for you.

NordVPN price and plans – costs and deals in 2026
By Mo Harber-Lamond, George Phillips last updated
NordVPN is one of the biggest and best names in the VPN game. Here's a full breakdown of every subscription plan it offers.

I just got a $50 Amazon voucher by signing up for this VPN – here's how
By George Phillips published
NordVPN is celebrating its birthday with a limited-time deal. Depending on your region, there's up to $50 in Amazon vouchers or free extra months on offer.

Safer Internet Day 2026: 3 easy switches you can make to stay safe online
By George Phillips published
Celebrate Safer Internet Day 2026 by making the switch to these privacy-focused apps. Here are 3 easy ways to create a healthy digital lifestyle.

Proton VPN releases quality of life updates for Android and Windows users
By George Phillips published
Proton VPN has released some small but welcomed quality of life updates for Android and Windows VPN users. Here's how to access them.

VPN Deal of the Week: ExpressVPN launches the cheapest ever VPN privacy suite – and it's making me think twice
By George Phillips published
If you're after a bargain privacy suite, then ExpressVPN could be for you. Five privacy-focused apps, including a VPN, can be yours for just $5.24 per month.

Authorities have seized one of Windscribe's servers – but here's why your data is safe
By George Phillips published
Dutch authorities have seized one of Windscribe's servers. But here's why your data still can't be accessed.

No longer just a VPN – ExpressVPN launches four new products to create a total privacy suite
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has revolutionized its product with the launch of four new privacy products. One subscription gets you five apps and two go live today.

This VPN solved my Super Bowl streaming stumbling block – and it's never been cheaper
By George Phillips published
You can stream the Super Bowl and secure your data thanks to ExpressVPN's limited-time February deal. At $2.44 per month, it's the cheapest it has ever been.

Grab antivirus for $0.30 per month with Surfshark's limited time deal
By George Phillips published
Surfshark's limited time February deal sees its antivirus available for just $0.30 per month. Pick up the best cheap VPN plus antivirus before it's gone.

We surveyed Tom's Guide readers about their free VPN use – and the results surprised us
By George Phillips published
We completed a survey of Tom's Guide readers and their free VPN usage. With 24% using one for streaming, and 15% for avoiding censorship, the results surprised us.

The TikTok ban saga appears to finally be over as a deal is completed
By George Phillips last updated
The US and ByteDance have completed a deal to sure up the future of TikTok, putting an end to the app's uncertain future.

It's Data Privacy Day and ExpressVPN is still cheaper than NordVPN
By George Phillips published
Celebrate Data Privacy Day 2026 by subscribing to ExpressVPN. It has three tiers of plan available and is currently cheaper than its two biggest rivals

Data Privacy Day 2026: 4 ways to reclaim control of your personal data
By George Phillips published
It's Data Privacy Day 2026 and there's no better time to start protecting your online data – here are four steps you can take to do just that.

Attention TunnelBear Free users – you can no longer use these features
By George Phillips published
TunnelBear is removing access to split tunneling and country selection for its free VPN users. Here's everything you need to know about why.

Independent audit confirms Surfshark's infrastructure 'aligns with the highest security standards'
By George Phillips published
An independent audit has confirmed Surfshark's infrastructure maintains high security standards. Here's everything you need to know about SecuRing's assessment.

ExpressVPN axes support for legacy apps – updating is mandatory for continued access
By George Phillips published
Users of ExpressVPN's legacy apps will need to update their apps by March 31, 2026, to keep VPN access. Here's everything you need to know.

VPN Deal of the Week: Proton VPN drops its first deal of 2026 – and it's cheaper than NordVPN
By George Phillips published
Proton VPN has launched its first deal of 2026, with a two-year plan costing $2.99 per month. Its cheaper than NordVPN and all features are included in all plans.

UK Lords vote to ban VPNs for children as pressure on the privacy tools increases
By George Phillips published
VPNs are under fire in the UK as the House of Lords vote to ban VPNs for children and a government consultation will "address concerns" about VPNs.
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