Articles by Samuel Woodhams, VPN Managing Editor, TechRadar

Sam is VPN Managing Editor at TechRadar. He has worked in the VPN industry since 2018 and has previously written for CNN, Al Jazeera, WIRED, and Deuteshe Welle as a freelance journalist.

Before joining TechRadar, Sam carried out research on global digital rights issues at Top10VPN. His research has been cited by the United Nations, US Congress and UK Parliament and featured in publications including The Guardian, Reuters and BBC.

He has been a frequent guest across podcasts, TV and radio and has previously written for leading think tanks and peer-reviewed journals on global digital rights topics. He has a Master's degree in Empires, Colonialism & Globalisation from the London School of Economics and an undergraduate degree in English Literature & History from the University of Leeds. Samuel also spent a year studying at the University of Copenhagen.

Outside of the office, you'll find Sam training for an open water swim or run that he (mostly) regrets ever signing up to.

Articles by: Samuel Woodhams

VPN apps running on various devices during TechRadar's testing

The best VPN service 2026

By Dan Sung last updated 29 April 26

Updated We've tested and re-tested every major VPN service to bring you a comprehensive report on the best available options.

Screenshot showing Surfshark's new protocol and a live speed test

Surfshark fixes broken post-quantum VPN protocol after TechRadar investigation

By Samuel Woodhams published 17 April 26

The new protocol now works and it's faster than WireGuard!

The end of encrypted DMs? Why Instagram is rolling back its biggest security feature

By Samuel Woodhams published 15 April 26

Your Instagram DMs are about to become a lot less private

Screenshot showing Surfshark with Dausos protocol selected

Surfshark's post-quantum 'Dausos' promises up to 30% faster speeds — I couldn't even load a speed test

By Samuel Woodhams published 15 April 26

The new protocol only worked when accessing small, unencrypted HTTP URLs and using active connections

As 4chan mocks UK regulators, will Ofcom turn to its 'last resort'?

By Samuel Woodhams published 27 March 26

With fines being ignored, Ofcom may turn to website blocks

The price of transparency: What Surfshark's data request reveals about its collection policies

By Chiara Castro published 26 March 26

When we presented Surfshark with a Data Subject Access Request, the provider was quick to fulfill its GDPR obligations, but the amount of data held on us was alarming

Exclusive: I asked 10 VPNs for my personal data — only one lived up to our expectations

By Chiara Castro published 26 March 26

Under GDPR and similar privacy regulations, VPN providers are legally required to share the data they hold on you when asked. I decided to put this basic data right to the test.

Child sitting on stairs looking at phone

Investigation: UK spends millions on VPNs as government weighs ban for children

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 20 March 26

MPs, local councils and government regulators including Ofcom and Ofsted continue to invest in VPN technology despite increasing political scrutiny

5 Comments

Exclusive: We found hidden Shadowsocks code inside ExpressVPN — and they won't say why

By Samuel Woodhams, Rob Dunne last updated 19 March 26

Network traffic analysis points to an unannounced feature that could give power users the ultimate tool to defeat strict censorship

'No approach is a silver bullet' — UK launches online safety consultation that could see VPNs age-restricted

By Samuel Woodhams published 2 March 26

The consultation will close on 26 May, with the government's response expected later this summer.

Investigation: over 75% of Android VPNs fail basic transparency tests

By Rob Dunne published 26 February 26

Our research finds missing websites, absent privacy policies, and a lack of accountability across the Play Store.

4 Comments

Proton VPN Windows settings screen on laptop at formal desk with coffee

Proton VPN review – Swiss privacy pedigree and undeniable security

By Rob Dunne last updated 17 February 26

Updated The privacy-purist's choice – Proton is on a mission to build an internet that puts people before profits.

The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge

UK government may 'age restrict or limit children’s VPN use' following three-month consultation

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 16 February 26

The government is tabling new powers that will allow it to enforce digital safety measures more quickly

7 Comments

A person using a VPN on their phone with the UK Houses of Parliament in the background

VPN companies 'open to meaningful dialogue' with UK government during children's online safety consultation

By Samuel Woodhams published 3 February 26

NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN and Windscribe confirm they are willing to engage with UK government

Person holding a phone that shows a VPN that is not connected

'The UK war on VPNs is an embarrassment' – backlash grows over proposed VPN age-checks

By Samuel Woodhams published 28 January 26

Critics are warning against proposals to restrict VPN access — but will the plans actually become law?

2 Comments

An AI generated image of the UK Parliament

UK government targets VPNs in online safety consultation as Lords vote for ban

By Samuel Woodhams published 22 January 26

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall promises "evidence-led" approach to keeping children safe online

12 Comments

"Americans should be concerned" – digital rights experts respond to the US withdrawal from internet freedom organization

By Samuel Woodhams published 9 January 26

Digital rights experts criticize the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from key international internet freedom organizations.

An American flag flying outside the US Capitol building against a blue sky

US withdraws from internet freedom bodies it deems "wasteful, ineffective and harmful"

By Samuel Woodhams published 8 January 26

President Trump signed the executive order on Wednesday

Hand drawn doodles and textures depicting mass surveillance and thin line between privacy and security

2025 Digital rights review: Spyware, AI war & EU regulations

By Samuel Woodhams published 5 January 26

We spoke to the digital rights organization Access Now about the most significant developments of the past 12 months. Here's what they said.

Proton VPN new mobile app interface – promo image

Proton VPN: 2025’s privacy milestones & the 2026 roadmap

By Samuel Woodhams published 4 January 26

New architecture, expanded free servers, and the race for quantum-proof privacy

ExpressVPN app on iPhone's widget – promo image

ExpressVPN holiday deal: the top VPN for Windows just got significantly more affordable

By Samuel Woodhams published 19 December 25

ExpressVPN has dropped its prices just in time for the holidays, with savings of up to $40 on offer.

'The dumbest possible fix' – Windscribe CEO responds to UK's proposed VPN ban for kids

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 17 December 25

While age verification for VPN apps would set a 'terrible precedent'

UK Lords propose ban on VPNs for children

By Samuel Woodhams published 12 December 25

UK politicians table amendment that would ban VPNs for children but its future is uncertain.

20 Comments

Photo of the Houses of Parliament at night from the South side of the river Thames.

Online safety debate: peer claims kids' VPNs 'expose devices to viruses'

By Samuel Woodhams published 11 December 25

A Lib Dem peer has raised concerns about unsafe VPN apps in a debate in the House of Lords.

3 Comments

A hand holding a phone running the NordVPN mobile app and 75% off in the background

Last chance to grab NordVPN at lowest price of 2025

By Samuel Woodhams published 8 December 25

It's the last day to pick up NordVPN for just $2.88 a month

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