We live in a day and age surrounded by thousands of digital possibilities; everything is accessible within a click. But with this comes the danger of cyber crimes and content that can cause you major troubles. In this article, we will be focusing all about torrent , its uses, and legalities involved in using this.
What is Torrent
Torrent is a platform from where one can easily download files from other user’s devices available on the network . One can also upload files from their own devices for other users to access. The process of downloading and uploading files has been simplified using a BitTorrent network instead of a central server. It works on a P2P ( person to person) system.
Uses of Torrent
The best use of torrent is for downloading large files easily with many users. Multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Google etc. use torrent to provide new software updates to users. Also, one of the special features of torrent is that file is downloaded in different segments and finally assembled as one in the devices. All kinds of files like music, audio, video, game, movies, applications, etc can be shared and downloaded.
How is Torrent Dangerous
- Other users can see your IP Address.
- One has to use VPN (a virtual private network) to hide the IP address
- Users may unknowingly download copyright content and get into legal trouble.
- Easy source for hackers
- Many malware and viruses can infect your system
- Illegal in few countries
Torrent in Foreign Countries
Many countries deem torrents as safe to use, while others restrict the use to an extent.
Here are some safe countries for torrenting
- Netherland- is somewhat safe for torrenting. While you can download art from the internet, it is not legal to share the work.
- Spain – is considered one of the safest places to access torrents. One is free to use the software until they are not making any monetary gain out of it.
- Switzerland- can be considered one of the safest countries for torrent users. One is free to download anything until it is for personal use.
- Mexico – does not have any laws to forbid the use of torrents. Many users have torrenting as a daily part of their life.
Other countries, including Canada, Israel, Romania, Greece, Uruguay, Czech Republic, Columbia, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, Iran, Egypt, Denmark, Singapore, permit downloading Content for personal use.
While countries like Japan, Germany, Poland, Finland, France, UAE fines the citizens for downloading illegal content. Some countries like Portugal, Italy, China, Malaysia, the Us, Australia, Russia, South Africa, etc., have shut down torrenting sites.
Why is Torrent Illegal In India
This is a common misconception for most people nowadays that torrent is illegal. This is untrue. Normally visiting torrent sites and downloading Content for personal use is not a punishable offense. Punishment and legalities come to underplay when the “ copyright” of the content is misused. Simply put, copyright can be defined as the legal right of the owner of intellectual property. This means a song originally written and composed by you cannot be used in other works without your consent. It can also be called protection provided to an author’s work. Many users may accidentally or unknowingly download content with copyright. And if the IP address of the user is tracked, legal trouble awaits the user. One needs to obtain a license to use copyright content; if you do not have a license for the content you are using/ copying, that will get you arrested.
Some of the websites which are legal to use include – Public Domain Torrents, Linux Tracker, Internet Archive, Legit Torrents, etc
Conclusion
Indian being a democratic country, one is free to browse content as long as there are no copyright issues involved. But the URL blocked by the government of India should not be accessed. Lawbreaking citizens may end up in trouble
By, Dhivya