How safe are torrenting sites? Do they come with viruses? Is torrenting safe? Are you likely to be caught while torrenting? These are just a few of the many questions most users ask while attempting to download or upload pirated content. So, what is torrenting?
In short, Torrenting, or P2P file-sharing, is when users download or upload files using the BitTorrent network. It’s not the same as traditional methods of downloading files via a central server but rather files from other end users’ network devices. It means that one user uploads files illegally while the other user downloads them. Knowing this, users still ask many questions regarding torrenting, and this guide highlights them.
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Is BitTorrent Legal? Is it Safe?
The BitTorrent protocol itself is not marked as illegal. It’s a technology for sharing files, and many legal torrenting services exist. However, there are many popular torrent trackers, like RARBG, ThePirateBay, 1337x, etc., that operate in legal areas but offer users access to copyrighted content for free. The policies on using BitTorrent in most countries are considered as illegal or unsafe. Additionally, torrent sites like KickassTorrents may host malware, posing security risks. For this reason, most countries block access to them, including Australia, which is why they use an Australia VPN to unblock them.
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What is the Difference Between Seeders and Leechers?
Seeders and leechers are the two types of users in BitTorrent. This platform is a P2P file-sharing service where users can share various kinds of files links with each other.
Seeders
Seeders are users who have already downloaded and uploaded the complete file to the BitTorrent network. This way, others can download from them. They act as the initial source for other users to download the file, playing a vital role in the network’s functioning.
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Leechers
Leechers are users who are in the process of downloading a file but haven’t finished yet. Unlike seeders who share the file, leechers only download. They rely on seeders to complete their download.
Do You Need to Use a VPN for Torrenting?
It might not seem necessary to use a VPN for torrenting, but there are many benefits to it. For starters, we all know that torrenting services are not functional everywhere, including RARBG, the Pirate Bay, and others.
This is because most countries block access to them. In this way, users require a VPN to unblock RARBG and other torrenting platforms.
Other than that, most torrenting platforms come with links that are malicious. A VPN helps prevent them, securing your connection, device, and data. So, to answer your question, using a VPN is not always necessary for torrenting, but it comes in handy.
How to Use a VPN for Torrenting
Here is how to torrent safety with it:
- Choose a reliable VPN. Never go for a free option.
- Download and install the VPN on a torrent-supported device.
- Launch the VPN and sign in.
- Check the VPN settings. Enable the Kill Switch, change to WireGuard or OpenVPN protocol, and enable ad-blocker. This helps ensure that if the VPN stops, your IP is still secure.
- Next, choose the best P2P-friendly server and connect to it.
- You can now safely unblock or access your torrent client. All your internet traffic and activities are now encrypted.
What Happens if You’re Caught Torrenting?
While prosecution of torrent users has been inconsistent, the potential penalties can be severe. Although the chances of facing legal action are relatively low, copyright holders have sued torrenters for exorbitant amounts of money in the past, most of which have settled out of court to avoid costly legal battles.
The aggressive tactics that are used to scare torrent users were criticized for targeting vulnerable individuals like college students or the less informed. While direct lawsuits are less frequent now, the campaign against torrenting continues. This is why it’s best to always go for paid streaming services or apps. It helps you stay out of trouble in every way.
Can People Go to Jail If Caught Torrenting?
Yes and no. Almost everyone understands the consequences of downloading copyrighted material. Plus, the laws vary in every country. For instance, BitTorrent is blocked in many countries and considered as illegal in the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and most EU states.
There are many popular torrenting platforms that distribute copyrighted content. This means that downloading movies, music, or TV shows from these sites is likely illegal. To prevent these issues from reaching you, it’s crucial that you only download content from domains that are not public.
The Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention are the two key international bodies that protect copyright laws. Every country that was a part of signing the treaties are obligated enforce all the copyright protection laws. This means they are able to take legal action against those that infringe it.
Lastly, if governing bodies or copyright protection agents catch you downloading torrents from public torrent websites, the fines vary from monetary penalties or jail time.
Is There a Legal Way to Torrent via BitTorrent?
There are many ways to use BitTorrent legally:
- Download open-source software: Many Linux distributions and other open-source software can be downloaded via BitTorrent.
- Access fair-use materials: BitTorrent is a convenient way to download materials that fall under fair-use guidelines.
- Support independent creators: Many artists share their work on BitTorrent, allowing you to support them directly.
- Access public domain content: Old movies, books, and music with expired copyrights can be found and legally downloaded using BitTorrent.
To Conclude
There are far too many more questions that users often ask regarding torrenting, but the ones mentioned here are some of the more popular ones. Torrenting is a very tricky activity. It gives users access to some of the best and most in-demand content, but the procedure to upload and download those links is not always the best or legal option. Despite torrenting being an issue globally, it’s still very much popular. If, however, you are to continue torrenting, consider connecting to the best VPN and anti-virus software for it.