Torrenting has long been a popular way to share and download files on the internet. It relies on a decentralized, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing model using the BitTorrent protocol. Instead of downloading a file from a single server, torrenting allows you to download small pieces of the file from multiple peers simultaneously, often resulting in faster speeds.
However, torrenting comes with significant risks to your privacy and security online. Since the BitTorrent protocol does not have any built-in encryption or protection, your real IP address is exposed to everyone else in the "swarm" of people downloading or uploading the same file. This makes it trivial for your Internet Service Provider (ISP), copyright trolls, or even hackers to monitor your torrenting activity.
There have been numerous cases of torrenters receiving copyright infringement notices, getting their internet speeds throttled by their ISP, or even facing legal consequences for downloading copyrighted material illegally.^1 Torrent sites and files may also be a source of malware infection, since it‘s easy for bad actors to disguise viruses or trackers as legitimate files.
In 2024, Global piracy activity accounted for XX% of all upstream and XX% of all downstream internet traffic [source needed for stats]. Some of the most popular content on torrent sites includes movies, TV shows, music, games, software, and ebooks. The most torrented TV show in 2024 was XXXX with XXX million downloads [source needed for stats].
The Rise of Private Trackers
To mitigate some of these risks and create a safer torrenting experience, many people turn to private torrent trackers. Unlike public trackers that anyone can access, private trackers are closed, invitation-only communities. They require users to go through an application and screening process, or receive an invite from an existing member.
Private trackers offer several advantages over public ones:
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Improved content quality – files are curated and verified by trusted uploaders or staff. Infected or fake files are quickly removed.
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Faster speeds – private trackers incentivize users to maintain a good "ratio" by seeding files after downloading them. This ensures there are always enough seeders for fast downloads.
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Better retention – rare or obscure files are more likely to be found and well-seeded long after release.
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Strong communities – most members are passionate about the content and there to share rather than leech. Forums and comments enable discussions.
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Enhanced privacy – Fewer people in the swarm reduces exposure, and membership screening keeps out many bad actors.
However, private trackers also have some downsides:
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Difficult to join – most require an invite from a member which can be hard to get. Invites are a precious commodity since users can be banned if their invitees don‘t follow rules.
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Strict rules – private trackers are serious about quality control and fairness. Not meeting ratio requirements or hit-and-runs (HnRs) can lead to warnings or bans.
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Limited content – Since uploads are carefully controlled, private trackers may have less total content than open, public ones. They make up for it with quality and curation.
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More effort – Maintaining a good ratio by seeding files takes more time and bandwidth than just leeching. It requires a long-term commitment to the tracker.
Some of the most reputable private trackers specialize in different categories:
- Movies/TV – HDBits, BTN, PTP
- Music – RED, OPS, Orpheus, Redacted
- Games – GGn, BCG
- Software – INT, CGPeers
- Books – BiB, MAM
- Anime – AB, U2, AnimeTorrents
- Scene Content – IPT, TL, AR, TSH
- HD Video – HDBits, HDT, BHD
Getting into the top tier trackers usually requires working your way up through mid-tier ones first to build your ratio and reputation. Reddit communities like r/trackers, r/OpenSignups are good places to find invite offers or application information.
Torrenting Safely in 2024
Even on private trackers, it‘s crucial to take precautions to protect your privacy and security while torrenting:
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Always use a VPN. A trustworthy no-logs VPN will hide your real IP address and encrypt your torrent traffic, making it virtually impossible for third parties to spy on your downloads. Look for a VPN that allows port forwarding, has a kill switch and IPv6 leak protection. Bind your VPN to your torrent client for added security. Some solid choices are:
- NordVPN – allows port forwarding on special servers, no logs, good speeds
- IVPN – port forwarding, no logs, clean reputation
- Mullvad VPN – port forwarding, cash payments for anonymity, no logs
- ProtonVPN – no port forwarding, no logs, Swiss jurisdiction
Free VPNs are not recommended as they tend to have slow speeds, bandwidth caps, and questionable logging policies. Definitely avoid providers like Hola VPN or VPNBook that are known to be insecure.
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Use a secure, lightweight torrent client with key features like encryption, IP filtering, and an IP checker. Avoid older, ad-supported clients like uTorrent. Good open-source options are:
- qBittorrent – open source, cross-platform, no ads, encryption
- Transmission – open source, lightweight, encryption
- Deluge – open source, highly customizable via plugins, encryption
- PicoTorrent – open source, tiny footprint, simple interface
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Scan all downloads with antivirus software. Most private trackers have strict moderation to prevent malware-infected uploads, but it‘s always best to double check. Use a reliable, always-on real-time antivirus.
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Disable JavaScript in your torrent client. Some clients allow websites to run JS code for ads or other reasons. This can lead to exploits. Block it if possible.
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For extra security, use a seedbox. A seedbox is a high-bandwidth remote server for torrenting. It allows you to torrent and seed files without using your home internet connection. Your ISP only sees a standard encrypted connection to the seedbox server, not your torrent traffic.
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Configure a firewall to control which programs can access the internet. Allow only your torrent client and VPN. Use something like Glasswire that can detect suspicious activity and block it.
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Bind your VPN to your torrent client for an extra layer of protection. If the VPN connection ever drops, the binded apps will be blocked from connecting to the internet, preventing accidental leaks. Qomui is one free open-source tool for this.
While there will always be some risks involved with torrenting, taking the proper precautions can go a long way in protecting your privacy and security. Always use a reputable VPN and torrent client, be smart about where you get your torrent files from, and of course, only download content that you have the rights to access. Consider joining a quality private tracker community for a safer and more rewarding torrenting experience.
