I know this is a dumb question... But i cant really aford a vpn like at all, is it possible to torrent without using a vpn in the USA or will i get in some trouble and go to jail if i torrent without a vpn?

The reason i cant get a vpn is because im just broke and im young enough to live with family so i cant really get a job.

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[–] msmc101@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 week ago

well with tormenting no but torrenting? yes

[–] DeathByBigSad@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

If you convert a magnet link to a .torrent file (there are many sites that can do that) and then upload the .torrent file to archive.org, they'll download the files to their servers as part of their archival process, then you can just download the files via standard https, you ISP will only know you downloaded from archive.org.

But archive.org isn't really meant to be used this way, so this is probably unethical. But I think section 230 protect them (for now), so its not like they'll get shutdown or anything (correct me if I'm wrong).

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[–] black0ut@pawb.social 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Ask people from your country, or look online to see if torrenting is prosecuted there. If people don't get letters from the ISP, you can just enable encryption in your torrent software and forget about it.

I've been torrenting without VPN for a decade (Spain), and never had any issues, not even traffic slowdowns.

Edit: You're probably gonna see a lot of advice to always use a VPN. Most of this advice is from US users, who are not used to torrenting without VPNs. The truth is, as with everything, it really depends. I'm not a fan of generalized answers to questions, and the same advice isn't as good for every situation. VPNs are a barrier of entry, and they also come with a slowdown. If you're starting to torrent and VPNs are not necessary in your country, don't be afraid to torrent without one. But of course, if you're from the US, you'll have to use one!

[–] mnemonicmonkeys@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago (2 children)

im young enough to live with family so i cant really get a job.

This doesn't really track, or it's just worded weird. You can start working part-time at age 14 in most states in the US. Now, you could be a student who's too busy with school/sports to get a job, but if you have time to pirate I doubt that's a liting factor.

Now, I don't personally care what your actual case is. I'm just pointing out that your claims don't add up.

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[–] frenchfryenjoyer@lemmings.world 1 points 1 week ago

My friend uses a VPN and has been pirating for two decades. might just be a placebo but she didn't get even one warning from her ISP

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