The act of downloading and uploading files using the BitTorrent network is known as torrenting. Torrenting is the most common type of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing, and connecting to the BitTorrent network requires torrent management software. Torrenting is a method of obtaining files from other users’ devices over the network rather than from a central server.
Users, on the other hand, submit content from their own devices for download by other users. However, distributing and downloading unlicensed copyrighted content is prohibited, leaving torrents, the companies that offer them, and the people who use them in a hazy situation.
Because determining the legality of shared files is difficult, several governments have made torrenting, in any form, illegal. The penalties for utilizing unauthorized torrents vary. However, they might include fines and jail. Even though torrents are lawful to use, you can still be punished with piracy if you use them to obtain copyrighted information.
Which Are The Countries Where Torrenting Is Illegal?
So, here is the list of the countries worldwide where torrenting is not permitted.
Australia
Unfortunately, Australia has followed the United States’ lead and enabled torrent trolls to flourish. In Australia, internet service providers keep using and connecting information for up to two years.
Rather than enforcing torrent offenses directly, the government has allowed torrent trolls to grow, with many lawsuits demanding $100s or $1,000s for downloading an individual file.
Canada
With the Copyright Modernization Act, Canada’s copyright law was modernized. The start of a “Notice and Notice” policy, which forces Canadian ISPs to relay third-party infringement notifications to subscribers.
This was one of the most significant improvements for BitTorrent users. Trolls and extortion letters say critics will benefit from this.
United Kingdom
From the start, England and the United Kingdom have been on the cutting edge of p2p enforcement. Torrent sites have been blocked by the majority of UK ISPs and mobile providers at some point.
Torrents are prohibited on many VPN providers‘ UK servers. To get around torrent blockades and third-party download monitoring, UK BitTorrent users frequently use VPNs.
United States
The United States is a fascinating case study. Other than limiting torrent downloads, there was minimal direct enforcement of torrent infringement by US-based ISPs. Instead, rights holders or corporations claiming to possess the rights undertake the majority of monitoring and enforcement.
This indicates that the United States was, and still is, a refuge for copyright trolls. Fortunately, following multiple legal crises, some governments are waking up and making it far more difficult for criminal actors to blackmail downloaders.
What Happens If You Get Caught Torrenting?
Torrent users have been prosecuted on a periodic basis. Although the chances of actually going to court or having to pay a settlement are minimal, the consequences can be severe.
Copyright pirates were sued for astronomically large sums of money, and the majority of the cases were settled out of court. Although direct litigation against torrenters is becoming less prevalent, the fight against them is far from over.
Copyright Trolls
Individual copyright pirates are increasingly being pursued by an increasing number of tiny firms referred to as copyright trolls. These firms use their genuine IP addresses to track down torrenters who are unlawfully downloading copyrighted content. They then approach the copyright owners and negotiate a settlement that allows them to represent them in court.
Others are employed directly by Hollywood studios to track down pirates. The copyright trolls are then directed towards torrenters by email or even going to every door and giving out settlement letters, armed with legal leverage and a list of names. These letters do not constitute legal papers or injunctions. Copyright trolls employ fear, intimidation, and disgrace to get torrenters to pay without having to go to court.
Settlement Letter
Your internet provider is the most usual way to get a settlement letter. A copyright troll will use the judicial system to issue a subpoena to your ISP, forcing them to send out legal notices to consumers and pass over personal information. An IP address is not a person, according to US law.
If you were contacted through your internet service provider, it’s likely that the copyright troll does not yet know your true identity. If the letter does not contain any identifying information about you, leave it alone. Your lawsuit might be dismissed before your ISP hands over your personal information to the troll. If you answer and identify yourself, the troll will be able to target you more directly.
ISP Penalties
Depending on your Internet service provider, it may take action on your behalf. Throttling your internet connection or threatening to send over personal information to a copyright troll are two examples.
Torrenting consumes a lot of bandwidth, which is expensive for ISPs. Furthermore, an ISP may be paid kickbacks by content owners and their partners.
Final Thoughts
As Internet speeds have become more widely available, digital file-sharing has skyrocketed. With the use of torrent sites and programs, users may transfer files over the Internet without having to go through tedious procedures.
However, copyright infringements and security problems may arise as a result of this way of downloading and uploading content. Several governments, on the other hand, are taking a position and declaring that downloading materials for personal use are not illegal.
Author Bio:
Jais Frank is a freelance content writer and enthusiastic blogger. He is the co-founder of The Legal Guides. He contributes to many authority blogs such as The Parents Magazine and Gossipment dot com.
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