George Phillips
George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights, censorship, data, and the interplay between cybersecurity and politics. 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 writing reviews, 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 research shows 4.8 billion people affected by internet censorship in 2024
By George Phillips published
Almost half the world was impacted by internet restrictions in 2024. Which country was affected the most, and how can people fight back?

Massive DeepSeek data leak exposes sensitive info for over 1 million users — what you need to know
By George Phillips last updated
The data of over one million DeepSeek AI users could be at risk, as more vulnerabilities in the app have been found.

DeepSeek AI banned by NASA, US Navy, and more over privacy concerns
By George Phillips published
Opposition to DeepSeek is growing by the day, as more and more countries and organizations take action against the Chinese AI app.

Is DeepSeek safe to use?
By George Phillips last updated
DeepSeek is the AI tool on everyone's lips right now. But be careful, it might not be as safe as you think.

VPN feature axed from Microsoft Defender
By George Phillips published
Microsoft prioritizes AI over data privacy as its VPN feature is removed from Microsoft 365 Defender – here's what it means for you.

DeepSeek AI banned in Italy as data privacy concerns pile up
By George Phillips published
Italy has become the first country to ban DeepSeek as concerns about the AI tool's data privacy practices grow.

Are fake VPNs a thing of the past? Google Play will now verify safe VPN apps
By George Phillips published
Fake VPNs could be no more as Google introduces "verified" badges for VPN apps on its Play Store.

Protect yourself online and win the ultimate soccer trip with ExpressVPN Dare To Dream
By George Phillips published
Protect your data online and be in with the chance of winning the ultimate footballing experience with ExpressVPN's Dare To Dream competition.

Has Data Privacy Week inspired you to protect your personal information? Surfshark VPN could be for you
By George Phillips published
Sign off Data Privacy Week in style by protecting your data online with Surfshark VPN.

DeepSeek AI collects your keystrokes and may never delete them
By George Phillips published
DeepSeek AI's fall from grace is almost as quick as its rise in popularity. The red flags keep coming, and if you value your data privacy, then do not download the Chinese AI tool.

NordVPN launches NordWhisper – and government censorship should be scared
By George Phillips published
NordVPN is taking steps to tackle internet restrictions with the announcement of NordWhisper. But what is it, and how does it work?

TikTok, Google, Amazon, Apple – which is worst for data privacy?
By George Phillips published
They are some of the biggest tech companies in the world, but how do Apple, Amazon, Google, and TikTok compare when it comes to data privacy?

ExpressVPN's latest upgrade secures its spot as the most quantum-safe VPN
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has upgraded its Lightway protocol with the latest industry leading post-quantum encryption. But how has it done this and what does it mean for you?

Musk, TikTok, and big tech – Donald Trump and data privacy
By George Phillips last updated
Will he make data great again?

An estimated 46,000 VPN servers are vulnerable to being hijacked
By George Phillips published
VPN servers and home internet routers are part of over 4 million internet hosts at risk of attack after vulnerabilities found.

What's happening with the TikTok ban?
By George Phillips last updated
The TikTok ban will no longer be enforced by law after President Trump issued an executive order. But what has all the fuss been about?

TikTok ban sees demand for VPNs surge
By George Phillips published
The US TikTok ban saw a huge spike in searches for VPNs. But did they work?

Critical VPN vulnerabilities continue to impact businesses
By George Phillips published
Ivanti has experienced another critical vulnerability, with its Connect Secure VPN impacted this time round.

Telegram blocked in Venezuela as restrictions continue
By George Phillips published
Telegram becomes the latest platform to fall victim to Venezuelan censorship

How to use Sora AI in the EU and UK
By George Phillips last updated
Sora AI still isn't available for everyone. If you're in the UK or EU, here's how you can use a VPN to access the video generation software.

Venezuela undertakes VPN banning spree
By George Phillips published
VPNs are under threat in Venezuela as over 20 providers have had their sites blocked.

Why Apple's Siri settlement means nothing for data privacy
By George Phillips published
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle its Siri lawsuit, but fines do nothing to help the future of digital privacy.

SonicWall VPN hit with second vulnerability
By George Phillips published
Ethical hackers exploited a vulnerability to gain access to a SonicWall VPN server, marking a second security problem for the company.
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