Samuel Woodhams

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

ExpressVPN home page on Android

Exclusive: ExpressVPN code hints at upcoming Shadowsocks support

By Samuel Woodhams, Rob Dunne published

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

iphone vpn

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

By Samuel Woodhams published

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

Android

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

By Rob Dunne published

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US flags

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

By Samuel Woodhams published

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

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

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

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

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

Windscribe logo on a laptop

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

By Samuel Woodhams last updated

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

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

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

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

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.

The Ofcom logo next to a woman looking at her phone confused

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

By Samuel Woodhams published

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

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

VPN symbol with Black Friday price tags

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

By Samuel Woodhams last updated

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 - every deal from our #1 ranked VPN, including a new, exclusive offer!

By Samuel Woodhams last updated

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

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

VPN apps on iPhone

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

By Rob Dunne last updated

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

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

Active VPN connection on a laptop

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

By Samuel Woodhams last updated

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

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