Ever since there’s the Internet, there’s been file sharing as well. P2P or peer-to-peer file sharing is one of the oldest methods of doing this. So today, we’re going to see what it is, what it does, how it works, as well as what are the dangers of doing it in the UK. And, of course, since you’ll need a good method of protection, we’ll also discuss which is the best VPN for P2P in the UK as well.
What is P2P file sharing?
Many know this under its other name, which is torrenting. If you still don’t know what this is about, it’s basically one of the most common ways of sharing files over the internet. Files are being shared between those who have them and those who want them. Those who have the file on their computers are called seeders, and it’s from their device that other torrent users are getting the file.
Using them is pretty simple. You choose and get a BitTorrent client, and then you go to one of the torrenting websites. There, you’ll find a search bar, in which you type what you need, and it’ll then lead you to links that can be used for downloading that file.
What are the dangers of using it?
So basically, torrenting is file sharing between individuals who use an internet connection to do so. It’s simple and innocent enough, but many would consider it illegal. This way is often used for sharing pirated content, and copyright holders don’t approve of people using it. In fact, depending on where you live, you might get in a lot of trouble by using this system.
This could mean fines, copyright infringement notices, or maybe even a few lawsuits, just because you used this system to download something from the internet. As you can tell, the situation is pretty serious, especially since torrenting networks are constantly being monitored.
As mentioned, some countries might have bigger problems with this than others. The UK especially has pretty strict laws about such things, including heavy censorships, as well as geo-restrictions. They’ve banned every torrenting websites that they could find, and their users can’t access any of them. At least not through traditional methods.
Instead, they must use special tools that can help when it comes to bypassing such restrictions. But to be able to understand how do they block these sites, as well as which is the best VPN for P2P in the UK, we first need to talk about IP addresses.
The IP addresses, and dangers of leaving them unprotected
IP addresses are special online addresses that every device connected to the internet has. They are different for every user, and they consist of seemingly random strings of numbers. These numbers aren’t random at all, however, but instead, they are the carriers of different information about you as their user.
For example, one part of an IP can present someone with your exact location. This is why it’s very dangerous to leave them unprotected. Every website and online service scan your IP as soon as you visit them. When they do, they see where you’re from, and if they aren’t supported in your region, you won’t manage to get access.
This is how torrenting sites are banned in countries like the UK. It’s also the reason why you shouldn’t ever use a BitTorrent client without some manner of protection. Whenever you start downloading some torrent file, you join a so-called swarm. While you’re a part of it, you can see IPs of everyone who’s also a part of the swarm. You can also see their country, and even which BitTorrent client do they use.
This is a lot of information to just give away to random people. Especially since some of them might be copyright trolls, ISPs, DMCA, or even hackers who might try to attack you for whatever reason.
That’s when you know that you could use a VPN.
What are VPNs?
VPNs are special private networks that you can use as a way of protecting your data flow. Protection of the user’s data is their primary purpose. Still, they can also unblock restricted content, as well as stabilize your connection. In some cases, if you pick a really good one, they can even speed it up.
VPNs primarily protect their users in three different ways. First, there are security protocols that help hide your data flow. They do this by creating a secure tunnel for your data to flow through. When it’s within the tunnel, nobody can see it, or tell what you’re doing online, not even your ISP.
Second, they also encrypt your data. Just in case that it starts leaking from the tunnel, or if someone manages to break through. With good VPNs, chances of this are minimal, but even if it did happen, they’ll still have encryption to deal with.
Third, they also provide you with large networks of connected servers. These servers are stationed all around the world. Accessing one of them through a VPN hides your real IP address, and masks it with another one. This new IP comes from the place where the server is at, and everyone who scans it will believe that you’re there as well.
That’s why it’s important to use them while sharing files via P2P. Everyone who tries something with your address will be at a disadvantage from the start, simply by looking for you in the wrong part of the world.
Other than these three, VPNs offer many more different features that make them very useful, or even unique. So which is the best VPN for P2P in the UK? Which one should you choose?
Choosing a VPN
This seems simple, but it’s often not, and many people give up without even trying one out simply because they don’t understand them. They don’t know what they should look for, and that makes it all a bit overwhelming.
In reality, it’s not that hard or scary. True, you might have a hard time coming to a decision. That’s why we’ve decided to narrow it down for you. Instead of checking out tens or maybe even hundreds of them, you can choose between our four top picks. Those are TorGuard, IPVanish, Private Internet Access, and GhostVPN.
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|---|---|---|
| Multi-platform Compatible | ||
| 256-AES Encryption | ||
| PRICE | $5 for 1 month with code "best10VPN" | $6.95 a month |
| Website Rating | 9.9 | 8.8 |
| 24/7 Live Chat | ||
| Residential / Dedicated IP for permanent streaming access | ||
| Has Mobile App + PC / Mac Support | ||
| Stealth VPN / Advanced Obfuscation techniques | ||
| Visit VPN Provider | Visit TorGuard | Visit PIA |
TorGuard
TorGuard is a pretty popular and reliable VPN, with a lot of different features to help you out during both torrenting or browsing. It’s definitely one of the best VPNs on the market, and it offers more than 3000 servers in over 55 countries. With such a big network, you’re bound to access anything online you wish.
Also, it’ll provide you with perfect anonymity. It’s safety features are also pretty amazing and reliable. TorGuard offers best encryptions and multiple protocols, as well as protection from leaking your data, and even a kill switch in case your IP gets exposed.
It has several packages for you to choose from, depending on what level of protection do you need. And each of those has its own set of features, as well as prices. You simply can’t go wrong with TorGuard.
IPVanish
IPVanish is another one of our top choices, and this VPN might be even better when it comes to torrenting. It has some of the best speeds ever seen in the world of VPNs, and with it, you’re bound to get the best results.
It also has a very good server network that spreads through 60+ countries. In total, you get over 25,000 IP addresses to choose from.
That means that the ultimate anonymity will be yours. Even its prices are pretty decent for such service, and not to mention tons of other features that it provides you with. Encryptions and security protocols are great, and it has a money back guarantee in case you change your mind about using it. There’s also simple and free software, unlimited bandwidth, and it keeps no logs. It’s truly one of the best VPN for P2P in the UK.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access, or PIA for short, is our third pick for this role. It’s one of the cheapest VPNs on the market due to its simplicity and a bit barebone software. However, when it comes to results, PIA is as good as any other provider on this list.
Its server network is amazing, and it has over 3250 of them in 25+ countries. You’ll hardly ever find that big number of servers anywhere else. It’s great for torrenting because it also offers great speeds, but also a very good protection features. If you want proof that looks aren’t everything, you’ll find it in PIA.
GhostVPN
GhostVPN may be the last on the list, but its potential says it’s the best one. It’s also the youngest one here, and it started out only last year. Still, for such short amount of time, it managed to get to the level of the rest of them. It hasn’t even come close to its peak, but it still offers over 1600 servers in 50+ countries.
GhostVPN has the most modern protocols and encryptions, three different packages, amazing customer support, and also no logging policy. It also offers a limited free version that’s pretty good as a trial. If you think that this might be a VPN for you, definitely give it a go.
Conclusion
Torrenting is fast, practical, and it works pretty well. It’s a way for Internet users to connect and share, and it helped out many who don’t have the same privileges as others.
It’s still viewed as illegal by those who are looking to earn more, and so they are blocking it and banning it as much as they can. If you’re among those who enjoy it, be sure to protect yourself first, and continue enjoying it. In this guide, we’ve covered the best VPNs for P2P in the UK, and we hope that you’ll find it useful.
