Understanding; Torrenting Practices, VPN Usage, and Private Tracker Rules

Hello, "Torrent Invites" community members:
(May 25, 2025)

I'm sharing this post in hopes it helps others avoid the same issue I encountered.
Recently, my account with a tracker from one of the “.click (.bz)" family, was deactivated.
- The reason?
- I accidentally used a VPN while downloading a file, instead of just grabbing the .torrent file through a clean (non-VPN) connection.
If you're in a similar situation, avoid using a VPN during the initial .torrent file request to prevent account issues.
(I’m now trying to resolve this through their IRC support channel.)

Read below and take precautions to avoid account deactivation.
//
(*) If you find this post helpful and like the content of it, please click: "Like" (bottom-right corner of this post) :)
________________________________________

Understanding; Torrenting Practices, VPN Usage, and Private Tracker Rules

1. Main Question:
How can I correctly follow the rules of a private torrent website that prohibits VPN use for some actions but still advises using a VPN for others, particularly in the context of downloading '.torrent' files and using a torrent client like BitTorrent or qBittorrent with Bitdefender VPN?

This question arises from a situation where a private torrent tracker has stated in its official rules that "no VPN rules apply to the website" (meaning VPN usage might be restricted or discouraged when accessing their site), while at the same time, their IRC support staff recommends a two-step process:
(a) Download the .torrent file using a clean (non-VPN) connection, and
(b) Run your torrent client through your VPN.

This guidance may seem confusing at first, so understanding the terminology and process is essential.
________________________________________

2. Basic Concepts Explained
2.1. What is a '.torrent' file?
A ‘.torrent’ file is a small metadata file that contains important information about a larger file or group of files you want to download—such as a movie, book, software, or music album. It does not contain the actual content, but rather tells your torrent software where and how to fetch the real data from other users (called peers) on the network.
• Example: If you're downloading a movie titled The Matrix, the torrent file may be named something like The.Matrix.1999.1080p.BluRay.x264.torrent.

2.2. What is a ‘torrent client’?
A torrent client is a software program that reads the .torrent file and connects to other computers (peers) to download and upload the actual content. Popular torrent clients include:
• qBittorrent (open-source, lightweight)
• BitTorrent (official client, simple interface)
• uTorrent (widely used, ad-supported version)
• Deluge, Transmission, and Vuze (alternative clients)

2.3. What is a ‘clean connection’?
A clean connection refers to a direct internet connection without using a VPN, proxy, or anonymity tool.
• Example: When you are connected through your home Wi-Fi or mobile data directly, without any VPN turned on, that is considered a "clean" connection.

2.4. What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a secure server in another location. This helps protect your identity, hide your IP address, and secure your internet activity, especially when using public networks or peer-to-peer tools.
• Example: Bitdefender Total Security VPN is a commercial VPN service that offers encryption and IP masking features.
________________________________________

3. Recommended Procedure for Private Torrent Websites
3.1. Why These Dual Instructions Exist
Private torrent sites often track user IP addresses and monitor activity for rule enforcement, ratio tracking, or legal precautions. Because VPNs can cause problems with IP-based tracking or lead to shared IP misuse (when many users use the same VPN IP), these sites may ask you to:
• Access the website (searching, logging in, downloading .torrent files) using a clean IP to stay traceable and trustworthy,
• But use a VPN when actively downloading/uploading the content to protect your privacy and avoid exposing your personal IP to the public torrent swarm.

3.2. Step-by-Step Instructions
If you're using Bitdefender Total Security VPN, follow this method:
Step 1: Grab the ‘.torrent’ file from a 'clean' connection
• Exit your torrent client (e.g., qBittorrent), if you are seeding other ‘.torrent’ files
• Turn OFF your VPN.
• Visit the private torrent tracker site using your normal home internet connection.
• Log into your account and download the .torrent file for the desired content.
• Save the file on your device.

Step 2: Route your torrent client through your VPN
• Close your browser (optional but recommended).
• Turn ON Bitdefender VPN and connect to a preferred location (e.g., Netherlands, Switzerland – countries tolerant of torrent traffic).
• Open your torrent client (e.g., qBittorrent).
• Load the .torrent file into the client and begin downloading.
• Confirm that the client is connected through the VPN (you may check IP address leaks or bind the client to VPN in its settings if available).
________________________________________

4. Final Thoughts
Using private trackers requires understanding both their technical guidelines and their privacy rules. By downloading metadata (.torrent files) using a clean connection and then routing your download traffic through a VPN, you maintain compliance with the site’s rules while also protecting your online identity during the actual peer-to-peer data transfer.
________________________________________
//