
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

Post-quantum VPNs – necessary now or a premature move?
By George Phillips published
Post-quantum encryption will become the new encryption standard, protecting us from quantum computers. But why haven't all leading VPNs implemented it yet?

Google is resisting Russian censorship demands – but top VPNs have been removed from the Play Store
By George Phillips published
Russia has demanded Google remove 212 VPNs from the Play Store. Some of the best VPNs have been affected, so here's all you need to know.

Four top VPNs share your data with marketing software – and we worked out if you're at risk
By George Phillips published
Leading VPNs share data with the marketing analytics software, AppsFlyer. We investigate whether your data is at risk.

What's happening with the TikTok ban?
By George Phillips last updated
The TikTok ban's enforcement has been extended again. A deal was reportedly in place but China failed to agree. What happens now?

The VPN industry must change or face losing the battle against censorship
By George Phillips published
I write about VPNs everyday and I think the industry needs to change, and here's why.

Proton VPN undergoes major redesign – iOS, Android, and Windows users get ready
By George Phillips published
Proton VPN undergoes a major redesign for its Windows and iOS apps. Widgets are here, and so are profiles.

These VPNs have links to the Chinese military – and they're still on the Apple App Store and Google Play
By George Phillips published
Research has uncovered several free VPNs with links to the Chinese military. American data is at risk and only some have been removed from the U.S. App Store.

Surfshark registers patent to combat metadata sharing and protect privacy
By George Phillips published
Even end-to-end encryption sometimes isn't enough privacy – but Surfshark has registered a new patent to change this.

Android becomes the latest platform to benefit from Mullvad VPN Multihop – here's how to access it
By George Phillips published
Mullvad Multihop has come to Android. Here's how you can bolster your privacy and security with the new feature.

Mullvad VPN announces two big security updates – here's what you need to know
By George Phillips published
VPN veteran Mullvad has further reinforced its privacy and security credentials with two big updates. Here's what you need to know.

70% of Americans commute every week – here's why a VPN is your ideal companion
By George Phillips published
Large numbers of Americans use their devices and connect to the internet whilst commuting. But there are cybersecurity risks and using a VPN is a must.

The best Turkey VPN
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN Using a Turkey VPN is the easiest way of avoiding the country's strict surveillance and content blocking – plus you can stream more, too.

Proton VPN partners with Vivaldi browser to fight back against big tech
By George Phillips published
Protect your online privacy in all four seasons with Proton VPN's integration into the Vivaldi browser.

47 VPNs could be axed from Google Play Store following Russian demands
By George Phillips published
As the country's censorship drive increases, Russia has reportedly demanded Google removes 47 VPNs from the Play Store.

Obscura VPN wants to be the "best darn VPN out there" – can it?
By George Phillips published
Obscura VPN is the new kid on the block and claims to "outsmart internet censorship." But can it become the best VPN out there?

Turkey sees huge VPN usage spike amid reports of social media crackdown
By George Phillips published
A huge spike in VPN usage has been seen in Turkey following social media restrictions and political unrest.

NordVPN drops to its lowest price this year – here's what you need to know
By George Phillips published
With over 70% off all plans, NordVPN has dropped to its cheapest price this year. Here's everything you need to know.

What are anti-censorship features and how is Proton VPN leading the way?
By George Phillips published
As internet censorship rises, what are anti-censorship VPN features and how is Proton VPN leading the way?

NordVPN's NordProtect cyber insurance goes solo – and adds a key new feature
By George Phillips last updated
Great news for U.S. users, NordProtect is now available as a standalone product and includes some new features.

Hackers create "BRUTED" tool to attack VPNs – how to stay safe
By George Phillips published
Brute-force attacks on VPNs can now be automated thanks to a tool created by hackers – here's how to stay safe.

"If you control online, you control everything" – Proton is taking the fight to internet censorship
By George Phillips published
Internet censorship has never been more of a threat and it is vital we combat it. We spoke to Proton VPN about how they are helping people fight back.

Chelsea Manning-backed NymVPN launches in bid to win the "censorship arms race"
By George Phillips published
Ahead of its official launch, Tom's Guide sat down with CEO Harry Halpin and security advisor Chelsea Manning to discuss all things NymVPN.

Introducing NymVPN – could this be the world's most secure VPN?
By George Phillips published
After months in beta stage, NymVPN is finally here. It claims to be the world's first decentralized, noise-generating, mixnet VPN. But how does it work and is it really that secure?

Calling all students! Protect your online privacy with ExpressVPN's exclusive offer
By George Phillips published
Students listen up! Protect your online privacy with these exclusive student deals from ExpressVPN.

Western governments want your data and big tech is happy to provide – how to slow them down
By George Phillips last updated
The account data of millions, including 3.1 million Americans, has been shared with western governments since 2014. Who can you trust with your personal information and how can you protect yourself?
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