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

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?

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

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 19 January 26

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

"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'

The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge

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.

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.

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

A graphic displaying a mobile phone with popular social media apps, including Facebook and Instagram in the foreground. Behind the mobile phone, an Australian flag and a judge's gavel and block

Australia's social media ban comes into force next week - here's what it means for your privacy & security

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 5 December 25

Australia's social media ban will come into effect on Wednesday, December 10. Privacy and security experts remain skeptical about its impact, while others praise its role protecting kids online.

Ofcom weighs "further action" on VPNs following Online Safety Act

By Samuel Woodhams published 4 December 25

The agency will continue to "collect information about VPN adoption in the UK" to inform their decision

A graphic showing a map of Australia, below a series of smartphones showing popular social media platforms and someone on a iPad using a VPN.

Australia expects platforms to "stop under-16s from using VPNs" to evade social media ban

By Samuel Woodhams published 3 December 25

The regulator has refused to say how this will work in practice

The best Cyber Monday VPN deals LIVE: reviewed by our VPN experts – Monday December 1

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 1 December 25

It's Cyber Monday! All day, we'll be bringing you live updates, exclusive insights and the very best Cyber Monday VPN deals.

NordVPN website during Black Friday 2025 running on a laptop on a desk

NordVPN Cyber Monday deals 2026 - every deal from our #1 ranked VPN, including a new, exclusive offer!

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 1 December 25

The best VPN we've tested is offering serious savings even after Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday VPN deals next to various devices running VPN apps.

Cyber Monday VPN deals 2025 – your last chance to grab exclusive offers and all-time low prices

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 1 December 25

Black Friday Although Cyber Monday is over, NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and Proton are still offering their best prices of the year. We'll keep you updated on any new arrivals

We're VPN experts and these are our favorite Cyber Monday VPN deals of 2025

By Rob Dunne last updated 1 December 25

We've spent 15+ years testing VPNs, but these deals are the ones that excite us the most

Proton VPN iOS homescreen being shown in a living room setting

My favorite Black Friday VPN deal is live right now – don't miss Proton at half price

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 30 November 25

Proton Unlimited is now $6.49 a month, down 50% on its normal price

VPN news live - the latest on cybersecurity, digital rights, and online privacy

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 19 November 25

Real-time updates, exclusive deals and expert analysis from the VPN industry

This Windscribe Black Friday deal locks in its lowest price for life

By Samuel Woodhams published 19 November 25

Windscribe is now less than $30 a year, forever.

A 3d illustration of a server room with node base programming. Data design element. Concept of big data storage and cloud computing technology.

Protect yourself from data breaches with this Black Friday VPN Deal

By Samuel Woodhams published 13 November 25

Upgrade your privacy for just $2.19 a month and stop relying on companies to protect your sensitive data.

CyberGhost landing page and Android app user interface over black background

CyberGhost's limited Black Friday deal drops price to lowest all year

By Samuel Woodhams published 11 November 25

The super fast VPN is currently at its lowest price this year, but there might be better offers out there

Exclusive: Ofcom is monitoring VPNs following Online Safety Act. Here's how

By Samuel Woodhams published 10 November 25

Ignoring VPNs risks creating ineffective laws, but tracking them threatens people's privacy

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