Downloading files via other users as opposed to using a central file host is considered torrenting.  This allows users to share the hassle of uploading files without there being an expensive hosting file to contend with for the uploader. Torrenting rose in popularity at the height of broadband internet that allowed faster upload and download speed which made it possible for users to share whole files globally.

Torrents fast became synonymous with illegal downloads. Those that held copyrights or ISPs found it easy to locate which IP addresses were associated with torrents and those people were prosecuted for illegal file sharing.  Fewer people are using this practice because it's difficult to download torrents securely due to worries over copyright infringement.

What is Torrenting

There are people remaining who want to download torrents securely because it is still the most effective means to manage larger downloads. Using torrents is actually not illegal. It's merely a technique used for file sharing, e.g. when you attach a file to an email.

When software is given for free, it is oftentimes costly for the individual who wrote the code to pay for installation file hosting. Rather the coder makes the software available through torrents in order that there is no cost for hosting. When you need to download some open source software,  a torrent client enables you to download installation files via others using the software.

The problem is that a majority of the content being shared via torrents is copyrighted such as TV shows, movies, music, or books. Sharing this type of content for free is illegal and it is against all of the copyright laws.  In this way it is the 'content' that is being passed around through torrents that is potentially illegal as opposed to the technique of torrenting.

Download Torrents Securely

If you want to use torrenting, there are ways to download torrents securely. You need to take care of the kinds of torrents that you are using and where you are locating your torrents files. In this way torrenting is a very beneficial way to download much larger files in a fast way.

• Legal. Only ever use legal torrents. This will keep you safe. It is far too risky to download illegal material with torrents. Copyright holders watch very closely for torrents being used illegally as a means to share their content. By using legal torrents only, you have no worries.

• Configure. There a number of various clients to choose from for downloading torrents, some of whom come with security features including the ability to encrypt your torrents. This allows you to disguise the traffic you use with your ISP.  It's also a consideration to set up a proxy server that will help you route torrent traffic by way of a proxy tunnel to elevate your level of anonymity. 

• Sites. Avoid dodgy sites. Only download torrents from sites that you are familiar with and trust. It is good to try to get invited to a private torrent site which is much more secure as they only have a limited group of extremely knowledgeable individuals that are on them.

• VPN. Use a VPN which will disguise your IP address and hide the fact that you are downloading torrents from your ISP.  VPN  works through installation of software on the device where you are going to download torrents which will encrypt any data that you are going to send over the internet prior to it leaving your device. The data which is encrypted goes to a server elsewhere around the world where it will be decrypted and then sent to the final destination. This process makes it impossible to see what your IP address is  and what you have streamed or downloaded.  In order to download torrents securely, you need a VPN, particularly if you're using illegal torrents.

The very best way to download torrents securely is to stay legal, use reputable sites, and protect yourself with a VPN. The process of torrenting is not illegal, but the content that you use may be. And the copyright holders are watching you.