Whats the deal with torrents...are they illegal?

I don't really use them but I got into an arguement with a friend last night. I always thought they were illegal. But really so many people use them how are they gonna get eveyone. Also has anyone even heard of anyone getting charged?

Torrents in themselves aren't illegal, thats why the companies survive. Uploading and downloading Copyright protected content is the illegal part.

e.g.:

1. Downloading the latest Disney film - ILLEGAL
2. Downloading open source software in a torrent - Not Illegal

You are right, there are far too many people downloading for everyone to be brought to justice, so they only really target the Uploaders, not the Downloaders.

I use torrents all the time, I'll leave it to your imagination as to whether My use is legal or not

~|ChaRoN|~

bigballin6161 said:

I don't really use them but I got into an arguement with a friend last night. I always thought they were illegal. But really so many people use them how are they gonna get eveyone. Also has anyone even heard of anyone getting charged?

Click to expand...

Last time I checked, it's the content that they are used to share/distribute. The torrents themselves are fine. Copyrighted content without the expressed written permission is usually prohibited. Also, Porn, downright illegal content(child porn, "cracked" software) and the like aren't allowed to be downloaded in the first place. Note:" "Allowed" can mean that these files are blocked from being downloaded all together, or their immediately removed upon discovery, and the uploader is subsequently banned or punished/warned in some kind of way.

this will enlighten you on legal matters...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pirate_Bay

It's just a transfer method...