
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

New UK report recommends children should be blocked from using VPNs — here's why
By George Phillips published
A UK report wants to stop children from using VPNs to bypass age verification checks. It calls on VPNs to screen underage users and labels the tools a "loophole."

It's International VPN Day – and here's why that's important
By George Phillips published
It's International VPN Day. Attacks on our online freedoms are increasing and tools like VPNs have never been more important – here's why.

Mullvad VPN will remove all its OpenVPN servers in six months time
By George Phillips published
There are only six months remaining before Mullvad VPN shuts down its OpenVPN servers and focuses solely on WireGuard – this is what you need to know.

NordVPN axes Meshnet – here's why
By George Phillips published
NordVPN has decided to shut down its Meshnet feature. The feature isn't as popular as NordVPN would've hoped and will end on December 1 2025.

Proton VPN brings split tunneling to Linux and Mac – here's what you need to know
By George Phillips published
Split tunneling has come to some of Proton VPN's Linux apps. The feature allows your apps to bypass your VPN connection – here's what you need to know

It is illegal to use a VPN in these countries – and potentially dangerous to use them in others
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
vpn Not all countries allow VPN use within their borders. Here are the countries where VPNs are illegal or under heavy surveillance.

Proton refuses to be 'held hostage' by controversial Swiss surveillance law
By George Phillips published
Proton has begun moving most of its physical infrastructure out of Switzerland as it refuses to be "held hostage" by controversial proposed surveillance laws.

VPNs appear to get around the UK's age verification law – but are they necessary?
By George Phillips last updated
Age verification laws have just taken effect in the UK. They come with cybersecurity and privacy risks and VPNs can be used to bypass checks. But is it necessary?

ExpressVPN is handing out free trials to LinkedIn Premium members and League of Legends gamers
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has announced two new partnerships that will see users gain access to free trials and extra months for VPN plans. Here's what you need to know.

Hurry! Our exclusive NordVPN deal ends today – it's your last chance to get a free Amazon gift card plus 4 extra months
By George Phillips published
Our exclusive NordVPN deal ends today. It's your last chance to get our best VPN, with four extra free months, and an Amazon gift card worth up to $50

NordVPN's eSIM goes premium — introducing Saily Ultra
By George Phillips published
Saily Ultra is the new premium eSIM offering from the team behind NordVPN. Users benefit from unlimited data, NordVPN, and more. Here's what you need to know.

NordVPN is the most popular VPN amongst UK politicians – but they're not getting the best deals
By George Phillips published
Nine MPs have expensed VPN subscriptions, with NordVPN the most popular. But MPs are not getting the best deals and should more be protecting their data?

Surfshark brings faster speeds and performance with the introduction of FastTrack
By George Phillips published
Surfshark's new FastTrack feature automatically routes VPN traffic in the most efficient way and can increase speeds by up to 70%.

ExpressVPN now supports the WireGuard protocol – and it's quantum secure
By George Phillips published
The WireGuard protocol has finally come to ExpressVPN, plus it's quantum secure. Here's everything you need to know.

From AI training to banning VPNs – here are 8 questions the internet is asking about the Online Safety Act
By George Phillips published
We've gathered nine of the internet's most asked questions about the Online Safety Act. They are important questions and not all have a straightforward answer.

It's the final week of our exclusive NordVPN deal – grab a free Amazon gift card + 4 extra months before it's too late
By George Phillips published
The countdown is on. You only have one week left to take advantage of our exclusive NordVPN deal. Amazon gift cards and free months of protection are up for grabs.

An extra 5 million age checks a day are being completed thanks to the UK's Online Safety Act
By George Phillips published
The UK has seen an extra 5 million age verification checks daily thanks to the introduction of the Online Safety Act. Despite this, risks are still present.

'A disaster waiting to happen' — Cybersecurity experts react to UK age verification law
By George Phillips published
Cybersecurity experts have shared their thoughts on the U.K.'s Online Safety Act. Many have highlighted the risks associated with age verification checks.

The debate over the UK's Online Safety Act intensifies as internet users share their thoughts
By George Phillips published
There are strong opinions on both sides as Britons react to the Online Safety Act's implementation.

A petition might not repeal the Online Safety Act, but you can still protect your privacy online
By George Phillips published
The petition demanding the UK government repeals the Online Safety Act is unlikely to succeed. But there are other ways to protect your privacy online.

This exclusive NordVPN deal has been extended again – and free Amazon gift cards are still up for grabs
By George Phillips published
Get your hands on free Amazon gift cards with this Tom's Guide exclusive NordVPN deal. It's been extended again, but not for long.

Suspect free VPNs rocket to the top of UK App Store in response to age verification laws – which ones are safe?
By George Phillips published
Many are downloading suspect free VPNs following the introduction of UK age verification laws. Here's which providers to avoid and why.

Major VPN provider sees a huge spike in sign ups as age verification law comes into effect in the UK
By George Phillips published
A major VPN provider has seen its UK sign ups spike to more than 1,000% over its baseline as people look to avoid the privacy risks of age verification checks.

Norton VPN's feature drive makes it a serious VPN option – and the ex-ExpressVPN Head of Product has now joined its ranks
By George Phillips published
Norton VPN is staking a claim to become one of the best VPNs. It has released an array of new features and upgrades in the last year – let's run through them.
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