⚖️ Is torrenting legal?

In most countries, torrenting isn’t illegal if you don’t download copyrighted content . Similarly, torrenting websites are legal to access and use, but many of the files uploaded to those sites aren’t legal. Luckily, there are many torrenting sites that allow users to share only legal files like open-source software or old movies. Keep in mind that in some countries, like China and Australia, torrenting is completely illegal. This means that even if you don’t download copyrighted material, you can still be prosecuted.

❓ Can torrenting get you arrested?

Though it’s not common to be taken to court for downloading torrents, if you’re caught torrenting illegally, your ISP can take legal action against you . However, less severe measures like sending out warning letters and emails or slowing down your internet connection are usually taken. If legal action is taken against you, you might have to pay a fine to both your ISP and the owner of the copyrighted material . As torrenting sites always store IP addresses of everyone who downloads and uploads certain files, the authorities simply check who accessed the illegal material. To prevent your activity from being traced back to you, you should hide your IP address with a reliable VPN.

💡 Who are copyright trolls?

Copyright trolls are individuals or companies whose sole purpose is to locate torrent pirates . They are usually hired by copyright holders who don’t want their products to be illegally distributed online, like Hollywood movie companies or pop music artists. Once they locate a person sharing unlawful files, they send a settlement letter with a large fine. Very often they use scare tactics to try and make you pay the full amount, only to quickly settle for 2-3% of that sum in the end.

⚙️ How does P2P file-sharing work?

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing creates a virtual network that allows connected computers to exchange files between each other. This method doesn’t use a specific server to hold the files, instead each device linked to the network is used to store and distribute the files. When you request a file using the P2P system, all the computers communicate in order to upload it to your device. This means that parts of that file are taken from each computer and put into your torrent client. When the full file is downloaded on your device, you’ll automatically start sharing it with other users requesting that same material. This constant exchange of data is quicker and easier than downloading files from a single server.

🔎What is IP binding?

Various torrenting sites, like uTorrent , allow you to bind your device to a specific IP address. This practice is called IP binding. Doing so will stop any torrent traffic from reaching your device unless you’re connected to your chosen IP address. You can use this tactic to bind your device to your favorite VPN server. This way, your data will still be safe if you forget to connect your device.

💰 Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?

Technically speaking, yes — but I don't recommend it. There are hundreds of free VPNs to choose from, but only a few free providers will let you download torrents . Reputable free providers compromise on their features to offer services for free. Very often, they cap your data allowance (sometimes just to 500Mb per month), limit download speeds, or offer less server options to their free subscribers. These restrictions make it almost impossible to torrent even the smallest files. With a free provider, you may also be compromising on your safety. To make a profit, free VPNs are known to collect and sell your data to third parties. Additionally, they can fill your device with various pop-up ads, many of which are infected with viruses. This makes you extremely vulnerable to potential hacker attacks and identity theft. As tempting as it may be, I personally wouldn’t compromise on my online security, especially with downloading potentially dangerous torrents. You don’t have to pay a lot of money to get premium protection for downloading torrents . Every VPN service on my list offers a 30-day money-back guarantee — you can torrent safely for that time completely free!

Julia Olech

(Writer, Blogger, and Technology geek)

I am a writer, blogger, and technology geek. I love discovering new gadgets that make life easier and more fun. Passionate about online privacy and safety as well as browsing the Internet without limitations.

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