Will I receive a letter/complaint from my ISP for downloading or browsing a pirate site?
Browsing pirate websites won’t get you in trouble with your ISP. Downloading, however, depends on where you live. If you live in countries like Germany, torrenting can result in hefty fines. In the USA/Canada, torrenting will likely result in a copyright notice.
How does my ISP know what I’m downloading?
ISPs don’t directly monitor you; copyright trolls do. These groups monitor torrents because torrenting technology is open and easy to track. They log the IPs in a torrent swarm and report them to ISPs.
Am I less likely to get caught if I don't upload?
Downloading copyrighted content is still illegal, even if you don’t upload. Joining a torrent swarm means your IP can be logged and reported, even if you’re just downloading.
How can I avoid getting copyright complaints?
- Use Direct Download Links (DDL) like Google Drive, Mega, etc.
- Use Usenet for SSL-encrypted downloads.
- Use a VPN to mask your IP address.
- Rent a seedbox to handle torrents remotely.
- Use a private tracker to minimize the risk of being tracked.
What should I do if I get a copyright letter?
Ignore the letter but follow the steps above to prevent future notices. ISPs may terminate service after repeated complaints. In countries like Germany, fines may be imposed for copyright infringement.
Should I delete pirated content if my ISP asks?
No, ISPs can’t see what’s on your hard drive. As long as you prevent further copyright notices, you should be fine.
What VPN should I use?
Paid VPNs are recommended. Research VPN providers that don’t log data and avoid free ones that collect and sell your data. Popular recommendations may not always be trustworthy, so do your research. I also provide VPN's here from my personal research.