Is it safe to torrent in India?

Torrenting is widespread in India, with millions participating in file-sharing daily. India is among the top countries for torrent downloads globally, partly due to local authorities’ lax enforcement of copyright laws. However, despite this relaxed approach, users must exercise caution and use a VPN due to the privacy and security risks involved in file sharing.

When you download torrents in India, local networks and ISPs can track your activities. Whether at home, on public Wi-Fi, or at work, ISPs and network administrators can monitor which torrent sites you visit, who you connect with through Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks, and which files you download.

Additionally, torrenting exposes your IP address to other users, and hackers often exploit popular torrents to collect IPs and probe user networks for vulnerabilities. This can lead to malware infections, data theft, and identity fraud. Using a VPN hides your IP address from other users, which prevents this from happening.

How safe is torrenting in India?

Torrenting is extremely prevalent in India, and many citizens believe it is safe to download or share torrents freely. However, the reality is more nuanced.

Although Indian authorities have a history of turning a blind eye to individuals who share copyright-protected content, it remains illegal to engage in piracy.

The Indian Copyright Act of 1957 protects original works, including literary, dramatic, sound recordings, artistic works, and films. Under this act, unauthorized use of copyrighted material can lead to civil and criminal penalties. The Information Technology Act of 2000 doubles down on these protections. It creates penalties for unauthorized downloading or distribution of copyrighted content over the internet. This means that Indian citizens could face ramifications, including criminal prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment for piracy.

Until now, Indian authorities may have enforced a relaxed approach to torrenting. However, times are changing because of mounting international pressure on copyright issues. If the Indian government suddenly decided to crack down on torrenting, users could find themselves targeted by the authorities, which is why it remains risky to torrent without a VPN in India.

Below, we have listed the main threats associated with Torrenting in India:

• ISP tracking
• Hackers
• Dangerous downloads
• Data theft

Using a VPN is essential for maintaining privacy while torrenting in India. Additionally, we suggest using a trustworthy antivirus program that can scan your downloaded files in real time. As you continue reading, you’ll find more tips and strategies for torrenting safely in India.

It’s important to note that not every VPN is ideal for torrenting. Some may have insufficient speeds or lack necessary security features. This guide will show you how to torrent safely in India and recommend the best VPNs to prevent ISP and government snoops from monitoring your activities. The important thing to remember is that while the Indian government turns a blind eye to piracy, it engages in high levels of surveillance and may be profiling you based on the files you share.

Can ISPs track my torrents in India?

Yes. Your ISP provides your gateway to the internet. This means they process all of your data and can see what you are doing – including what torrent sites you visit and what files you download. This allows them to compile a detailed log of the files you download. They’re not limited in terms of sharing this information either, meaning it could easily find its way into the hands of government authorities or legal firms working on behalf of copyright holders.

India has regulations that require ISPs to retain user browsing histories and metadata for two years. They’re not legally required to store browsing histories for long periods, but some still might, which presents a real problem for privacy-minded customers. After all, this information could be leveraged to pursue legal action against individuals for copyright infringement. This could include demands for settlements through speculative invoicing, a practice where law firms recoup losses by sending threatening letters.

Without a VPN, your downloads are traceable, and your ISP could potentially share your information with third parties. A VPN ensures your privacy by preventing all tracking, allowing you to download torrents with added peace of mind—and without worrying about how government snoops might interpret those downloads.

What is prospective invoicing?

Speculative invoicing is a technique carried out by law firms representing copyright holders. They use strongly worded letters to target individuals suspected of online piracy, such as downloading or streaming via torrents.

Lawyers request user data from ISPs based on visits to certain torrent sites or specific downloads. Identified individuals may receive letters threatening legal action unless they agree to settle by paying a fee.

Legal firms that engage in speculative invoicing try to avoid court cases, leveraging the threat of legal consequences to prompt quick settlements. That said, the possibility of legal action exists, especially in high-profile piracy cases.

It is also worth noting that copyright enforcers sometimes monitor torrent swarms to gather IP addresses. These copyright trolls then use IPs to locate users through ISPs and target them with speculative invoicing letters.

Is hacking a threat when torrenting in India?

Yes, hacking is a constant threat when you torrent in India (or anywhere else). When you torrent without a VPN, your computer’s IP address is visible to everyone else in that torrent swarm. This means that any user, including copyright trolls and hackers, can harvest your IP address to target you.

Many people in India torrent daily, often unaware that this activity can make their network an easy target for hackers. A VPN can eliminate this risk by hiding your home IP address from the swarm, making it much safer to torrent in India.

BitTorrent connects your device directly to other users to download bits of files. This exposes your IP to dozens, if not hundreds, of strangers. Each of these connections increases the risk of meeting a cybercriminal.

Hackers like to join popular torrents to collect the addresses of people downloading files. Once they have your address, they can look for ways to break into your network.

If a hacker finds a way into your system, they could use your computer to do illegal things, such as sending spam emails, attacking other computers, or mining for cryptocurrency without your permission. They could also install malware to steal your personal information and engage in fraud. Even if you’re not torrenting, we recommend always using a VPN for India to protect your security.

Remember: the files you’re downloading could also put you at risk. Even files that seem safe at first glance could have malware hidden inside. Using a VPN doesn’t stop you from downloading a malicious file, so it’s really important to use antivirus software and to carefully research the files you download beforehand. Later in this guide, we will provide tips and tricks to help you stay safe.

Will I download malware when torrenting in India?

Torrenting in India carries the risk of downloading malware. Hackers often upload malicious files to torrent sites, and thousands of people are infected with trojans, spyware, and ransomware.

The important thing to remember is that not all torrent trackers are safe. Even popular trackers that many Indian people consider reputable can expose you to dangerous files.

To minimize the risk of torrenting in India, you must learn how to identify harmful torrents. Some torrent sites have active communities that vet files. These communities allow users to rate torrents and comment on their safety. This helps to alert users to malicious files. Leveraging these rating systems can vastly improve your chances of avoiding malware.

That said, the best torrent trackers and communities are often invite-only. This means you’ll need to get an invite – which can be quite hard. If you want to join a safer torrent community, you can try to make friends with users on platforms like Reddit or Discord to gain access.

No matter which torrent site you use, we advise always checking the reputation of files before downloading them. Always try to confirm that others have safely downloaded them. Using a reliable antivirus program to scan the files you download is also crucial.

How can I torrent safely in India?

Using a reliable torrenting VPN is the easiest way to keep your data and devices secure while torrenting in India. However, not every VPN is a good fit for torrenting.

Some have slow server speeds that will extend the amount of time your downloads take, and others may not support Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connections at all, making them ineffective for torrenting purposes. Additionally, certain VPNs use NAT firewall configurations that interfere with the direct connections needed by torrent clients, which can cause issues with sharing files.

The best torrent VPNs provide strong encryption and essential security features such as leak protection and a kill switch. Later in this guide, we’ll list the essential VPN features for torrenting. You should ensure your chosen VPN has these features to torrent safely.

To help you out, we’ll also provide a list of VPNs that cover all of these bases. This will make it easy for you to get a reliable VPN for torrenting in India.

Remember to be cautious when picking a VPN. Many VPNs exaggerate the level of protection they offer, making it easy to end up with an inferior VPN that gives you a false sense of security. Sticking with our expertly tested recommendations will allow you to completely avoid these risky VPNs.

Below, we have included a step-by-step guide that explains how to use a VPN to torrent safely.

How to safely download torrents in India with a VPN:

1. Choose a suitable VPN: For users in India, we recommend NordVPN for its fast speeds, torrent-optimized servers, and robust security features. Surfshark is a cheaper alternative that balances reliability and affordability, while IPVanish is an all-rounder boasting a large server network and robust security features.
2. Sign up for the VPN: Clicking our link will let you subscribe to the VPN for less thanks to our automated coupon code.  You will need to provide an email and a valid payment method to subscribe. Note that purchasing a longer subscription plan will bag you a significant discount.
3. Install the VPN software: Now that you have subscribed, you can download and install the VPN app on your device. The VPNs we recommend are compatible with major operating systems, including macOS.
4. Connect to a server: The VPNs in this guide have extensive server networks that let you pick an IP address on nearly any continent. This lets you bypass torrent website blocks in countries like Australia.   For optimal download speeds when torrenting in India, we advise connecting to a server that is geographically closer to you – such as India, Eastern Europe, or Asia.
5. Start torrenting: As soon as the VPN connects, you are ready to launch your torrent client and begin your activities. Your ISP will not be able to track your torrenting, and your real IP address will be hidden from hackers. It’s also wise to enable the VPN’s kill switch feature to prevent any data from escaping the protected tunnel, should the VPN connection drop unexpectedly.

What are the best VPNs for safe torrenting in India?

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for torrenting in India:

1. NordVPN: Highly recommended for secure torrenting in India, NordVPN combines excellent speeds with strong privacy protections. Its no-logs policy and robust encryption keep your torrenting activities confidential. You can try it risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: An affordable VPN option for users in India. Surfshark allows unlimited devices to connect simultaneously and offers fast speeds ideal for P2P file sharing.
3. IPVanish: IPVanish provides strong security features that make it suitable for torrenting without risk of being tracked. It is compatible with major torrent clients and operating systems. IPVanish ensures a safe torrenting experience free of the worry of hackers.
4. ExpressVPN: Known for fast torrenting speeds. ExpressVPN is a great choice for torrenting safely in India. It features solid security measures including a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and intuitive apps for all devices, enhancing both security and ease of use.
5. PrivateVPN: Ideal for P2P file sharing in India. PrivateVPN supports port forwarding and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. It offers reasonably fast speeds and is compatible with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, making it a decent all-rounder.
6. PureVPN: Offers a secure and cost-effective torrenting experience for users in India. No-logs policy that’s been independently audited. PureVPN provides a 31-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself. Port forwarding for enhanced torrenting is available but costs a little extra each month.
7. ProtonVPN: A highly advanced VPN for techy users. ProtonVPN is a superb option for torrenting in India. It supports port forwarding and split tunneling. Provides numerous advanced features you don’t always see elsewhere. Servers in 85 countries, and a rock solid no logs policy.

What features should a reliable VPN for torrenting have?

Our experts used a comprehensive VPN testing method to identify the top VPNs for torrenting in India. Our process has been refined over many years, allowing our expert reviewers to easily compare VPNs and pinpoint services that provide exceptional security and performance.

If you’re curious about our testing process, check out the guide above. It outlines our reviewers’ steps, including examining privacy policies, testing applications, checking for data leaks, and assessing encryption standards.

For a VPN to be safe for torrenting in India, it must offer specific features. All our recommended VPNs have these essential features. For transparency and to allow you to shop around and make informed choices, we’ve outlined the key features you must look for below:

• Robust AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption
• A kill switch
• DNS leak protection
• Obfuscation
• A no-logging policy
• Diskless servers that run in RAM
• Fast servers that are optimized for torrenting
• Port forwarding (makes it easier to torrent with some clients)

Besides these features our top three picks must also have completed a full third-party audit that has validated the claims made by the VPN provider on its website and in its data policies. This type of independent audit ensures that the VPN provider is actively trying to find and fix bugs and has been proven to be acting in line with its privacy claims.

Is Torrenting legal in India?

Using the BitTorrent protocol is not illegal in India. It is legal for individuals and businesses to share files peer-to-peer (P2P) if they want to. However, it’s crucial that you only share or download files that you have a legal right to.

This makes it important for torrent users to understand and be able to distinguish between legal torrenting and piracy. Legal torrenting involves the distribution of files that you own, manage, or have explicit permission to share. This form of sharing does not violate any copyright laws.

By contrast, distributing or downloading any copyrighted content without permission is completely illegal in India. This includes downloading or sharing music, videos, books, software, and other digital files for which you do not legally own the copyright. If you share pirated content, you could face legal consequences.

Please note that although we have made every effort to provide accurate information, we are not attorneys and nothing in this guide should be taken as legal advice. Do your own research or consult a legal expert to fully understand the legalities of torrenting in India. Remember, torrenting carries risks and should be approached with caution and at your own risk.

Do Indian citizens share pirated movies using torrents?

Yes. Many people from India admit to using torrents to share files illegally. You can see people on Reddit forums admitting to using torrents to share files without consequences. However, these Reddit users usually recommend using a VPN in their posts.

People in India use torrent sites to share copyright-protected music, TV shows, and movies. This kind of torrenting is illegal and could lead to prosecution and fines, so you must understand the difference between legal and illegal file sharing.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws or perhaps even seek a professional’s opinion before attempting to torrent during a trip to India. 

Do I need a VPN to torrent safely in India?

Yes. Torrenting without a VPN exposes you to a variety of risks. ISPs and government agencies could track your downloads, which allows you to be profiled and could lead to opinions about you being formed based on the types of files you share. This can have severe consequences, especially in India, where accessing explicit content or content incompatible with local cultural norms could be problematic.

A VPN is crucial for torrenting without exposing your IP address to hackers. Without a VPN, you risk malware infections, device takeovers, data theft, identity theft, and fraud. A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, providing a safer and more private torrenting experience.

Torrent safely in India – Tips and tricks

To help you out, we have included a list of steps you can take to torrent safer in India:

1. Stick to legal torrenting: Avoid any illegal downloading to avoid any legal ramifications.
2. Only use trustworthy torrent sites: Always do your research and select reputable torrent sites that minimize the risk of encountering malicious files.
3. Update your torrent client: Keep your torrent client updated to avoid security vulnerabilities allowing hackers to attack your devices. Read our guide to the best torrent client to use with a VPN for more information.
4. Install an antivirus with real-time scanning: We recommend using a well-known antivirus that can detect and manage threats in real-time.
5. Be cautious with file types: Always verify the file type you are downloading. Media files should not be executable (like “.exe” files). If a file seems suspicious, avoid downloading it, or delete it from your system as quickly as possible.
6. Use a sandbox environment: Downloading files into a sandboxed environment, such as a virtual machine, will keep files isolated from your main system. This prevents malware spreading onto your computer.
7. Use a well-known torrent community: Being part of a reputable torrenting community will help to keep you safer while torrenting.
8. Select torrents with positive reviews: Choose torrents that have a high number of seeders and have received many positive reviews and comments.
9. Ensure your VPN is secure: Always use a VPN with robust protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, or OpenVPN. Avoid outdated protocols like PPTP that offer insufficient protection. Remember that many VPNs, especially free VPNs are hugely unreliable and will not protect you when torrenting.
10. Activate the VPN kill switch: This feature cuts your internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This stops you from leaking your downloads and IP address to the swarm.
11. Bind your torrent client to your VPN: You can configure your torrent client to bind to an  IP address provided by your VPN. This will stop you from accidentally torrenting without your VPN.

How safe is torrenting in India? – FAQs