I don't live in the US, so my ISP doesn't really seem to care what I torrent, but the megathread vehemently recommends to always use one. Since VPNs aren't cheap and I'm on a strict budget (wouldn't pirate otherwise), is it really that dangerous to torrent without one?

(page 3) 33 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

I recommend the free version of VPN of hide.me. I didn't want to pay for VPN and that has worked well for me. Speed is limited after 10gb

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

You are fine without a VPN until you aren't anymore. Torrenting was fine in basically every country until it wasn't anymore. And then some people got burned without a warning.
So you can roll the dice, it might take years until people start caring in your country and you are fine until then. Or they might start caring in a few months. If you aren't, there is a chance you will have time to react to the news when other people first get hit in your country or you will be one of the first. If you are already using a VPN you can rest assured that you won't be one of the first.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

YMMV but I never got into trouble for torrenting.

Bell Aliant in NS, Canada.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Not necessary for torrenting per se, but can be necessary to avoid fees depending on the country where your IP is located.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Definitely should have one. Highly recommend Proton VPN personally. I love their software suite.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (13 children)

If using qBittorrent there is an anonymous option. Not sure if works well but I haven't received an ISP email in a long time since I set it

load more comments (13 replies)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (3 children)

It (possibly) adds a layer of security. Of course you're just passing your traffic through them. Should they get summoned to court or ordered they could turn over your information and show you were trafficking through them. I'd say to read into how your nation persecutes copyright. How strict are they, how often have people been legally attacked cause of it, etc. If you're in Japan for example, I'd say 100% use a VPN. Copyright is extremely serious there.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Very true. Not all VPNs are created equal and it's important to research, but ultimately you are putting your trust in them with your data. They provide anonymity but you need to trust them that they don't compromise your security. And of coruse you should still do everything else you can to maximise your security on the internet.

load more comments (2 replies)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Look, if you want peace of mind use it, but it is also true that you will most likely be fine with it.

I personally use NordVPN, and I have been always torrenting with pretty good speed. I am pretty sure there are cheaper alternatives.

Good luck to You. :⁠-⁠)

[–] [email protected] -1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

You all seem to be starting from the basis that downloading a torrent is illegal. It is not, it is only distribution/upload that's an issue. If you behave as a leech and kill it after you're done the worst you're going to get is a complaining letter from your ISP.

I torrent without a VPN and haven't had a single email from my ISP, but I presume it's because I'm a business customer.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

You should hedge this advise. It may not be illegal where you are, but it certainly is here in the U.SA. if you’re downloading “unsanctioned copyrighted material.”

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 years ago

Never had a letter from my ISP and I’ve been torrenting for 20 years.

load more comments