
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

Spam calls begone – NordVPN launches Call Protection feature for Android users in Europe
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN has launched Call Protection for Android users in Europe. It aims to warn people about potential scam calls in real time before they pick up the phone.

ExpressVPN blocks child abuse material in partnership with Internet Watch Foundation
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has announced a partnership with the IWF to restrict access to CSAM. The VPN wants to lead the way in balancing privacy and protections online.

Meta recommends Mullvad and AmneziaVPN for WhatsApp users encountering network disruptions
By George Phillips published
In a somewhat surprising move, Meta has recommended two VPNs for WhatsApp users facing network restrictions – here's what it said.

Identity Defender becomes the latest ExpressVPN feature to receive its own app – but only for US users
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN's Identity Defender now has its own app. Its capabilities have been seriously upgraded and one ExpressVPN subscription now gets you four apps.

73% of Europeans believe they are too reliant on US tech – so here are some privacy-focused alternatives
By George Phillips published
A Proton survey found 73% of Europeans think they're too reliant on US tech. With that in mind, I've put together a list of my favorite, privacy-focused alternatives.

The 'VPN Factory' creating ad-infested apps – how one developer launched 39 cloned VPNs without a working website
By George Phillips published
"VPN factories" are churning out potentially unsafe VPNs, which are carbon copies of one another. We investigated one developer and highlight how to keep your data safe.

I used Norton VPN for a week – and it's so close to being a class-leading VPN
By George Phillips published
I exclusively used Norton VPN on all my devices for a week. Here's what I thought of one of the best VPNs' closest challengers.

How to set up an alias with ExpressMailGuard
By George Phillips published
Thinking of using ExpressVPN's new ExpressMailGuard feature? Here's how to get started and set up an alias to protect your real email address.

VPN ban one step closer in Wisconsin as age verification bill goes to Senate vote
By George Phillips last updated
VPN blocks are one step closer to becoming a reality in Wisconsin, as the state's age verification bill goes to a senate vote – here's what we know.

I tried ExpressMailGuard for a week – and there's one glaring issue
By George Phillips published
I tried ExpressVPN for a week. It's a powerful app, with great potential. But it has one glaring problem – here's what.

Here's how I've been watching the Winter Olympics from outside the US for less than $2.50 per month
By George Phillips published
Norton VPN is my go-to VPN for streaming the Winter Olympics from anywhere. It's fast, secure, and costs less than $2.50 per month.

UK government's VPN ban proposal slammed as a 'draconian crackdown'
By George Phillips last updated
The UK government is further examining children's access to VPNs, with restrictions being investigated as part of a consultation – and privacy advocates aren't happy.

NordVPN and Proton VPN hit with blocking orders as Spain cracks down on illegal soccer streams
By George Phillips published
The court ruling has been described as "pioneering"

PrivadoVPN brings PhantomMode and WireGuard enhancements to iOS in its latest update
By George Phillips last updated
PrivadoVPN brings PhantomMode and WireGuard enhancements to its iOS app. Here's what you need to know about the ad and tracker blocker and how to enable it.

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 price and plans – is it good value?
By Andy Sansom last updated
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN choices around. Here we'll explain the pricing structure to help you find the best deal for your needs.

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.
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