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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[–] mic_check_one_two@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Private tracker security is, at best, security theater. You (a random nobody) can get an invite with nearly no effort. You really think a billion dollar industry can’t manage to get in and spoof as a legit user? There are entire companies that specialize in corporate espionage. Use a VPN (or seed box) even on private trackers.

[–] truxnell@aussie.zone 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

They absolutely can of course. However, its easier for them to go after the easier fish that are public and advertise/make profit off work, much the same way a theif will levitate toward the least secure/most attractive house to rob. That said, country makes a huge difference - risk profile between a US citizen and say a Romanian is very different.

[–] mic_check_one_two@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 day ago

Yes and no. They’re going after uploaders, and the vast majority of uploaders post on private trackers. Some may also crosspost to public trackers, but that’s usually after a delay, or a third-party reposting it.