
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

Telegram data sharing has increased by 6,000% since CEO's arrest
By George Phillips published
Messaging app Telegram has significantly increased the amount of personal data it shares with the authorities. Here's what this means and what you can do about it.

VPNs are under attack in Myanmar as new security law is introduced
By George Phillips published
Myanmar becomes the latest country to have its digital rights attacked, as new law aims to restrict VPN usage.

No, you will not face the death penalty if you use a VPN in China
By George Phillips published
Despite what's being claimed on social media, using a VPN in China will not mean the death penalty. Here's all you need to know about the rumor and China's strict VPN laws.

Top VPN becomes the latest to be hit by Indian app store ban
By George Phillips published
Internet privacy is yet again under threat, as top VPNs have been removed from app stores by Apple and Google on the orders of the Indian government.

Pakistan's government introduces VPN permits to combat usage
By George Phillips published
Pakistan's government has detailed new plans to restrict the use of VPNs by introducing localised proxy servers.

Don't post your New Year's travel plans – you're putting your privacy at risk
By George Phillips published
We love sharing what we get up to over the holiday season and New Year's, but did you know this could put your privacy at risk?

Your roast turkey might be stealing your data
By George Phillips published
Is your turkey stealing your data? The rise of smart home devices is leading to a huge data privacy concern.

Raw turkey, massive arguments, and data leaks – how to avoid the biggest holiday mistakes
By George Phillips published
It's Christmas, and as much as we try to avoid them, mistakes happen. I'll give you tips on how to avoid data leaks this festive period – and maybe some family and cooking tips too

This VPN sells access to people's home internet networks
By George Phillips published
Big Mama VPN appears too good to be true, as the free VPN allows strangers to access your home internet network.

4 reasons why a VPN is a better gift than an Axe body spray gift set
By George Phillips published
They are a Christmas staple for many, but hopefully not for much longer. Here's 4 reasons why a VPN is a better gift than an Axe body spray gift set.

Surfshark's Alternative Number is the next logical step in online privacy
By George Phillips published
Tired of giving out your phone number online? Take the logical next step and get yourself an Alternate Number.

Why Surfshark is the only leading VPN offering a real antivirus
By George Phillips published
Many VPNs claim to offer a form of antivirus, but do they actually perform well? Surfshark's just might.

Nord Security brings VPN-style security to the world of eSIMs
By George Phillips published
Holiday travellers take note, Nord has introduced new features to Saily. The VPN-style features allow you to stay protected while using an eSIM abroad.

ExpressVPN's holiday.com eSIM is a dream for privacy-focused jet-setters
By George Phillips published
Holiday.com is the new eSIM from ExpressVPN. Never struggle with physical SIM cards again, access data and stay protected wherever you go.

Think twice before using a DNA test – they're a privacy nightmare
By George Phillips published
DNA kits offer fascinating insights into your genetic background, but they might be a privacy nightmare.

Norton VPN's new update is good news for Mac users
By George Phillips published
It's good news for Mac users, as Norton VPN has finally introduced a crucial feature.

Russia disrupts internet connection across several regions – is there more to come?
By George Phillips published
Russia has conducted "sovereign internet" tests as it cuts regions off from the internet – what does this mean for the future of internet freedoms in the country?

Leading VPN CCO says digital privacy is "a game of chess we need to play"
By George Phillips published
We chatted to IPVanish CCO Subbu Sthanu about the future of cybersecurity and why education on the subject matters.

60% of free VPNs could be selling your data by 2025
By George Phillips published
As VPN popularity increases, it's vital to recognise what is, and isn't, a safe VPN.

Spotify Wrapped 2024 – the dark side of music personalization
By George Phillips last updated
Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here, but how comfortable are we with the amount of our personal data Spotify is collecting?

ExpressVPN launches dedicated IP – but it's a little different
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has launched its version of dedicated IP, which is more privacy-focused that its rival's.

PrivadoVPN's Cyber Monday deal has got me questioning my sanity
By George Phillips last updated
I was browsing Cyber Monday VPN deals when PrivadoVPN stopped me in my tracks. Its $1.11 per month VPN deal had me questioning my sanity.

Everyone is telling me to get a VPN – should I?
By George Phillips last updated
If you've been recommended a VPN this Black Friday, we'll help you decide if you actually need one.
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