Why is it Necessary to Use a VPN for P2P/Torrenting?

Engaging in P2P/Torrenting is a slippery slope for many, as they do not have knowledge about the laws surrounding the act. Different countries have varied rules regarding P2P/File sharing. Where some have completely banned torrenting, others place strict restrictions on downloading unsanctioned copyrighted materials. However, since it not always apparent what content is legal or not, things get complicated.

Copyright Trolls

Following the expansion of P2P/Torrenting and downloading of "pirated" files, the job of going after individual pirates was outsourced to copyright trolls. These companies have the main objective of locating torrenters, illegally downloading pirated material via their IP addresses. They approach the copyright holders, signing a deal allowing them to take legal action.

Lots of pirates and growing websites were sued instantly with wildly disproportionate amounts of money initially. Most of these cases, however, were settled out of court. These public scare tactics show poorly on movie and recording industries. Many portraying big production companies and marketing agencies as petty millionaires, bullying the poor class. Direct lawsuits are fairly uncommon of course.

ISP Penalties

Apart from copyright trolls, your ISP may also decide to take action against you on its own behalf. They could hand over your personal details to government agencies or copyright trolls. At the same time, they may throttle your internet connection. Why? Because P2P/File sharing consumes a lot of bandwidth. This increased consumption costs ISPs money, so its pretty much a problem for everyone.

Not to mention, ISPs could also be receiving rage from content owners and associates for illegal downloading of pirated content. It does not matter if you use public trackers like ThePirateBay, Kickass Torrents, or any other website, chances of you getting caught are always high. This is particularly true for countries that already impose invasive mandatory data retention laws.

The Importance of a VPN

Torrenters who want to say away from the legal ramifications of downloading pirated content, invest in VPN solutions for protecting their identity. By using the Best VPNs for Torrenting, users can feel assured that their internet activity is hidden from their ISPs. Since a VPN cloaks your IP address and shifts your location, you appear to be located in a different country/city altogether.

As such, this protects you from the prying eyes of copyright trolls, invasive ISPs, and government agencies responsible for battling P2P/File sharing. Just make sure you go for a reliable provider and avoid signing up with anything "Free". Bear in mind that a single warning or letter could lead to hefty DMCA fines. You cannot compromise on your security, especially for torrenting activities.

Wrapping Things Up

Agencies around the world try their best to trace Pirate website owners, responsible for uploading copyright content. Names like TBP, Kickass, LimeTorrents, 1337x, and plenty others have been shut down more times than we can imagine. However, they keep making their way back, because nothing can reduce a freebies’ love for torrents. You cut off one head to more shall take its place. It is as simple as that!

Hamza Shahid is an online privacy/security advocate at BestVpn.co. When he is not watching TV and stuffing munchies, he loves sharing his expert knowledge regarding the latest trends in user privacy and copyright infringement.