
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

Proton VPN sign-ups in Nepal rocket to 8,000% over the baseline in response to social media ban
By George Phillips published
Proton VPN sign-ups in Nepal spiked to 8,000% over the baseline as the government blocked 26 social media apps. The ban has now been lifted but anger remains.

Windscribe's new UI update makes switching protocols simple – here's what's new
By George Phillips published
Windscribe has updated its UI and customizable options. Switching and selecting protocols is easier than ever and you can even add sound effects to your app.

Has ExpressVPN's price change played right into NordVPN's hands?
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has overhauled its pricing structure. But it may have lost its USP as a result and could make NordVPN seem more attractive to new users.

Some of these seemingly independent VPNs are all connected – and they pose a threat to your data
By George Phillips published
Researchers have discovered popular VPN apps are not only connected, but have serious security flaws that pose a risk to your data

Norton VPN says its new DCO can double OpenVPN speeds – here's how
By George Phillips published
Norton VPN has launched an OpenVPN DCO for Windows. This boosts speed and performance, while maintaining security.

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.

IPVanish raises its privacy standards by upgrading to RAM-only servers
By George Phillips published
IPVanish has boosted its privacy credentials with the launch of RAM-only servers in 19 locations worldwide. Its Secure Browser has also been added to desktop apps.

Surfshark VPN Review
By Shaun Rockwood last updated
VPN In my hands-on Surfshark review, I test every aspect of the service to find out whether it's a bargain alternative to the biggest names.

You can now get ExpressVPN for $3.49 per month and there are three pricing tiers to choose from
By George Phillips published
An ExpressVPN subscription now start at $3.49 following the provider's overhaul of its VPN plans. Prices and features vary between the three new tiers.

ExpressVPN launches three new pricing tiers in a major shake up of its VPN plans
By George Phillips published
For the first time, ExpressVPN now offers tiered VPN plans. Basic, Advamced, and Pro plans are available – and it might now be affordable.

Attacks on VPNs are unjustified and dangerous – and it's not how we achieve online safety
By George Phillips published
Online safety can't be achieved by attacking VPNs and defending our privacy is more important than ever.

'Don't trust, verify' – newly launched VP.NET wants to change the VPN industry forever
By George Phillips published
VP.NET is a new VPN provider that claims it physically can't log any of your data. It has released its source code to prove it.

What is a VPN?
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN 'What is a VPN' is a question plenty of people are asking. Here we'll answer all your questions, and more.

This shady VPN has seemingly been caught stealing from Windscribe
By George Phillips last updated
Windscribe has revealed a suspicious VPN was caught using servers without payment or permission – here's what you need to know.

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
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