Sorry in advance if this isn't the right subforum for this.

I was wondering if you consider it safe to browse torrent sites (not download from them) without a VPN. I have a seedbox set up now (out of the country) and torrent links engage directly into it.

I gave up my my pricey expressvpn account since the seedbox one came with a VPN (although it's slow and takes forever to connect so it's annoying to use).

What do you think? I'm not too worried about being spied on grabbing files off my seedbox via sftp since that would have to include hacking on Comcast's end which I'm pretty sure is illegal. Safe to simply browse sites without it...?

Cheers.

@ridefast all trackers with SSL (https) can be considered safe to browse as all transmission is encrypted. For non SSL you can use free browser addon like Zenmate etc. Do remember you need permission from tracker staff before using any VPN or proxy, using any without permission will eventually get you banned for rule violation. For high level trackers I suggest to ask tracker staff which type of VPN they allow (in case they permit you to use one) like free or only paid, it will keep your account safe.

Originally Posted by DGM

@ridefast all trackers with SSL (https) can be considered safe to browse as all transmission is encrypted. For non SSL you can use free browser addon like Zenmate etc. Do remember you need permission from tracker staff before using any VPN or proxy, using any without permission will eventually get you banned for rule violation. For high level trackers I suggest to ask tracker staff which type of VPN they allow (in case they permit you to use one) like free or only paid, it will keep your account safe.

Thank you @DGM greatly appreciated.

It's safe to browse sites with your home connection. Actually, most private trackers forbid using a VPN/proxy for accessing their sites. It's also safe to download from your home connection on private trackers.