Did you know that over 60 percent of BitTorrent downloads are illegal?
With BitTorrent downloading proving to be the simplest and most effective way to get unlimited free data, the figure is bound to rise soon.
Still, the question on most people’s minds is how to torrent without jeopardizing their privacy to torrent sites.
It’s important that every torrenter knows how to torrent safely so that they can stay away from the wrong side of the law.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help torrent safely.
The Torrenting Process
Torrent files store metadata.
To put this into perspective, think of a torrent like a campus library’s electronic register. Once you search for a term in the register, the system provides you with information about a book and where to find it.
A torrent file functions the same way by helping torrenting software to track PC file sharing. Once located, the software links up with the computer to copy eBooks, movies, podcast episodes, documents, photos, music, applications, and games.
Note that the torrent doesn’t store the file but rather the information.
Unlike regular downloading, BitTorrent facilitates fast downloads over P2P networks (Peer-to-Peer) using a swarm-like approach. Since it offers no centralized servers, finding and shutting down individual hosts that support illegal activities becomes difficult. To add to that, direct downloading gets faster.
Keep in mind that using P2P networks isn’t illegal. However, if you’re downloading copyrighted material, you’re likely to face serious security threats, followed by a possible lawsuit.
Legal Terms for Bittorrenting
Copyright is the dominant factor that determines whether torrenting is legitimate or not.
In essence, torrenting by itself isn’t an illegal activity. But if you download prohibited copyrighted material, then that puts you in trouble.
On the other hand, downloading using a torrent client isn’t unlawful at all, as most downloaded content is copyright-free.
Still, it’s effortless to find yourself unwittingly breaking the law, as it’s difficult to tell which content falls in the grey areas.
In most scenarios, when you’re caught downloading copyrighted content, your internet service provider sends you a warning letter or slows down your internet connection.
To avoid all this you need to get a reliable VPN.
How Will a VPN Help?
It’s highly recommended to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) whenever you’re downloading torrent. Not only does it secure your connection, but it also conceals your P2P traffic, making it undetectable to online hijackers, the government, and even the internet service provider (ISP).
Apart from online security, professionals at Couchpotato Seedbox suggest that the VPN should be user-friendly, easily accessible, and have excellent customer support.
Types of Torrent Site Available
There are two types of torrent sites: private and public.
Public torrent sites are also known as open trackers. They allow all users access to the tracker’s address. On the contrary, private torrent sites limit this accessibility to members only. In most cases, existing members grant permission to the new members only via emails or invite codes.
So, which one is best?
Open trackers offer ease of accessibility. However, you risk downloading malware.
Private torrent sites, on the other hand, provide relatively secure downloads because of the controlled membership. To top that, they offer remarkably fast downloading speeds thanks to regulations that require all users to seed back downloaded files.
Even so, they’re the most difficult to join, especially when you don’t know any existing members.
Apart from online security, professionals at Couchpotato Seedbox suggest that the VPN should be user-friendly, easily accessible, and have excellent customer support. Some worthy VPN options for safe torrenting can be found in this best VPN for torrenting guide.
How to Torrent Safely with No Worries
Use these tips on how to torrent safely to stay on the safe side.
As a rule of thumb, always take time to go through VPN reviews of both popular and unpopular sites. Remember to run multiple virus scans on the content, especially when downloading software and games.
Check out this guide for more insights on how to browse privately.
