Douglas Crawford

Douglas has worked for almost six years as senior staff writer, occasional editor, and resident tech and VPN industry expert at ProPrivacy.com. This is something of a perfect storm for him, allowing him to combine writing talents honed by a degree in philosophy with his expertise and love of computer technology, together with his keen (and often outspoken) interest in contemporary politics.

Douglas has been widely quoted on issues relating to cybersecurity and digital privacy in the both the UK national press (including The Independent and the Mail Online) and international technology publications such as Ars Technica. In 2017 he was invited by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to participate as a host in online discussions about net neutrality.

On his thirteenth birthday, he was given a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48k, which quickly became the love of his life. After such an early exposure to the wonders of technology, he has always owned the most cutting-edge computer his (often limited) funds could afford. In 1994 he was the only person he knew with an internet connection.

Rivalling this early love of technology was his love of books and writing, which led Douglas to study philosophy and political ethics at university.

He has taught English as a foreign language in various locations around the world, including Hong Kong and Vietnam, owned his own web design business (Arachnaphilia - “We Love to Spin Webs”) in the UK, and worked as a computer repair technician, system builder, and personal computer tutor in southern Spain.

He has also worked as a qualified sound engineer and event manager based in Barcelona, helping to organise and run contemporary dance events throughout Europe.

Douglas has now settled down in Plymouth, UK, with his teacher partner and over-exuberant toddler. This has given him the opportunity to pursue his life-long dream to work as a professional writer and technology journalist.