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?

  • bob@lemmy.havocperil.ukEnglish
    12·
    2 years ago

    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.

    • Sertou@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      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.”