Downloading happens all over the internet. For example, if you want to use a program like Skype, you’ll have to download an installation file for it. Many people also download music and movies. When it comes to downloading, one thing is always the same: when you download something, you take information from the internet and put it on your own device. Unfortunately, this isn’t always safe. Malware could be hidden in your downloads, and strangers might easily see exactly what you download. In this section we’ll give you more information on how to protect your privacy while downloading.
Downloads and Torrenting
By uploading and downloading files, you can easily exchange information with the internet. In many cases, this is done through torrents. This is one of the most controversial as well as best ways to exchange data with others. Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks allow users to easily share information and files.
However, this comes with several risks. Torrent sites are often blocked and many torrents offered on those websites are illegal as they contain copyrighted material. If you download one of these torrents, you risk a download penalty. In addition, the whole peer-to-peer system can pose a serious risk to your privacy. This is due to the fact that your computer connects directly to other users’ computers. In this section, we tell you all about downloading, torrents, and legislation concerning downloads. Read the articles below if you want to find out how to download safely and legally without jeopardizing your privacy.
Downloads and Download fines
Downloading files isn’t necessarily illegal. However, it is illegal to download copyrighted files when the owners of those files haven’t given permission for them to be shared in a specific way. This means you can’t simply download every movie, series, or piece of software for free. This is exactly why many torrent sites are blocked in some countries. Still, people will find websites like The Pirate Bay to download illegal files. In some countries, this can lead to high download fines.
Torrent Clients and Torrenting Websites
If you want to start torrenting, you need a place to find the torrents you’re looking for and a piece of software that will help you download these torrents. This is where torrenting websites and torrent clients step in.
First, you go to a trustworthy torrent website and find the file you wish to download. Always make sure this is a legal file that doesn’t break copyright regulations, or you might get in trouble.
Once you’ve found your torrent, you need a torrent client in order to be able to download the file onto your computer and use it. A torrent client is a separate program that’ll help you keep track of your torrents and use the P2P network to download and upload them.
However, not all torrenting websites and torrent clients are safe. A lot of them contain malware or share torrents with viruses hiding inside. Read our top lists below to learn more about the very best torrent websites and clients of this moment, as well as how to use them safely.
Protect Your Privacy During Downloading: VPN and Proxy
If you want to protect your privacy while downloading, for instance, because you don’t want anyone to see the files you download, there are two options: a VPN or a proxy. VPNs encrypt your data and route it through a protected server. Proxies only reroute your data traffic through a different server, without securing your data in any way.
Both options ensure that your IP address is changed, which means your online activity can’t be traced back to you by random websites and other torrent users. However, some VPNs and proxies don’t allow torrenting on their networks, so it’s always good to check in advance whether yours does. Since many kinds of downloads aren’t legal all over the world, VPN and proxy services might block some download ports.
Since a VPN is able to encrypt your data, while a proxy isn’t, we’d generally advise you to use a VPN. If you use decent antivirus software alongside that VPN, you’ll be protecting your privacy as well as your online safety. Hackers, curious eyes, and many kinds of malware will no longer stand a chance.
Download Programs
If you want to download torrents, you need special torrent-downloading software. This is called a torrent client. Well-known torrent clients you may have heard of are uTorrent and Vuze, among others. This type of software can sometimes also be a threat to your privacy. If you want to safely use these types of software, you need to take the necessary precautions, such as making sure you’re using a decent torrent client and using antivirus software as well as a VPN to keep you, your data, and your device safe.