Is Downloading From Torrents Legal?

Torrent networks are swarms of hosts that allow users to share files that they possess.

The original idea behind torrents was that rather than uploading and downloading files to and from a central location, users would be able to join torrent networks and would have the capability of downloading and uploading files in a distributed manner.

Initially users were sharing multimedia content like their own photos and videos with friends and family.

But soon the idea caught on and users started sharing work documents, PDF files, songs, movies, trial software, freeware, licensed software, etc.

As long as torrent clients are used to sharing content that doesn’t violate any license obligation with software vendors or copyright laws, it is safe and legal to download and upload through torrent networks.

But the trend now has changed so that torrent networks are used more for sharing of pirated videos, illegal mp3 songs, pirated licensed software, etc. which is definitely in violation of the copyright and the licensed software laws that are prevalent in almost all the countries in the world.

If you are involved in sharing of such content, then yes, you are in direct violation of legal, statutory and cyber laws because it is considered illegal to download and upload such content.

It is always a good idea to check on the relevant laws that might govern the piece of data that you want to share through torrent networks. There are cases when you might share a file that is a company asset. In that case, if the file falls into the wrong hands, it might be used maliciously. Additionally, you are going against company policy.

There are cases where the file that you have downloaded through a torrent network might contain a malware which would infect your system and in turn the whole network you are a part of. This might be in violation of the company policies again and you might end up paying a hefty fine or end up losing your job.