The invention of the torrent site allowed users to share files quickly and efficiently, but also became a way for others to get a hold of potentially illegal or copyrighted content without the need to pay for it. Due to this, there is often some confusion regarding the legality of torrent sites, especially if you often spend time in other countries.
Understanding where you stand regarding the law and torrent sites can not only help you avoid any criminal charges, but also keep your internet activity safe. Torrenting itself is not necessarily a negative thing, however some of its content can be.
Legal Torrenting
Failure to do so can lead to the potential of fines and confiscation of your computing equipment. These disciplinary measures may increase should you also be found to be making content available for others’ use too.
Where is Torrenting Absolutely Legal?
While countries like the United States and Australia have made it so you cannot use torrenting sites if you reside in their vicinity, there are ways around it. Using a VPN can allow you to show yourself as being in another country, and gain content that is not copyrighted without facing any kind of prosecution.
Some countries, however, have made the torrenting of copyrighted material legal, so long as it is only obtained for personal use. These countries are Spain, Switzerland, and Poland. This means that, if you were a resident in these countries, you could download copyrighted music, books, television episodes, and movies, without facing a charge. The point where this would again become illegal would be if you distributed it to others, and additionally so if you charged for that privilege.
Torrenting Alternatives
If you want to be able to see the latest content, but do not feel you are able to spot the difference between a legal and illegal torrent, it may be a good idea to consider the alternatives. Using something like a streaming service can still allow you to watch your shows and movies, but without the risk of viruses or unwittingly engaging in illegal activity. You can still use a VPN to keep your identity secure and, so long as you do not share your password with others, keep control of this account.
Buying your media traditionally, through DVD or Blu-ray can also be another way of not contributing toward illegal activity.
Otherwise, you can do your research on the torrent sites you use, so that you are able to get fast access to wanted files, but without having any unwanted repercussions along the way.
