If you live in Switzerland and use BitTorrent, you may have wondered: Is torrenting legal in Switzerland in 2026?
The short answer is yes, torrenting technology itself is legal in Switzerland. More importantly, Swiss copyright law has a relatively unusual approach to downloading copyrighted material for private use.
Under Switzerland’s Federal Act on Copyright and Related Rights (Copyright Act, CopA), downloading or streaming copyrighted works for private use is generally permitted, including downloading from an unauthorized source. However, uploading copyrighted works is not covered by the private-use exception. This distinction is particularly important with BitTorrent because torrent clients commonly upload pieces of a file while downloading it.
There is also an important exception for computer programs: Article 19 of the Copyright Act expressly excludes computer programs from the private-use exception. Therefore, the rules applicable to movies, music, and similar works should not simply be applied to pirated software.
This guide explains what Swiss law means for torrent downloads, seeding, movies, music, games, software, VPNs, private trackers, and more.
Important: This article provides general information about Swiss copyright law, not individual legal advice.
Is Torrenting Legal in Switzerland?
Yes. BitTorrent itself is a legal file-sharing technology in Switzerland.
BitTorrent is simply a peer-to-peer communication protocol. It can be used to distribute:
- Linux distributions
- Open-source software
- Public-domain movies
- Creative Commons files
- Independent projects
- Game patches
- Large datasets
- Copyrighted works distributed with permission
The technology itself does not determine whether a particular download is lawful.
What matters is what you are downloading, how you are using it, and whether Swiss copyright law permits that use.
Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) states that downloading or streaming works for private use is permitted, including downloads from illegal sources. At the same time, it states that uploading copyrighted works is not permitted under the private-use exception.
What Does Swiss Copyright Law Say About Torrenting?
The main legislation is Switzerland’s Federal Act on Copyright and Related Rights (CopA).
Article 19 deals with private use. It allows published works to be used privately, including personal use or use within a close circle such as family or friends. However, Article 19(4) specifically says that the private-use provision does not apply to computer programs.
This creates an important distinction for torrent users.
| Activity | General position in Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Using BitTorrent software | Legal |
| Downloading authorized content | Legal |
| Downloading films for private use | Generally permitted |
| Downloading music for private use | Generally permitted |
| Downloading from an unauthorized source for private use | Generally permitted under Swiss guidance |
| Uploading copyrighted films/music | Not permitted |
| Seeding copyrighted material | Can constitute unauthorized uploading |
| Downloading pirated software | Not covered by Article 19 private-use exception |
| Sharing copyrighted files publicly | Generally requires authorization |
| Downloading public-domain content | Legal |
| Downloading properly licensed open-source software | Legal |
The key point is that Swiss law treats downloading and uploading differently.
How Does Private Use Work in Switzerland?
Private use is one of the most important copyright exceptions for ordinary users.
The Swiss IPI explains that published works can generally be used privately. Private use includes personal use and use within a close circle of relatives or friends.
This is why Switzerland’s copyright framework is often described as relatively permissive toward private downloading.
Downloading a Movie for Private Use
Suppose you download a copyrighted movie using BitTorrent and keep it for yourself.
For an ordinary copyrighted film, the Swiss IPI states that downloading for private use is permitted, even when the source itself is unauthorized.
That is very different from simply saying “pirated movies are legal.”
The more precise statement is:
The private downloading of copyrighted works can fall within Switzerland’s private-use exception, but unauthorized uploading is not covered by that exception.
Downloading Music for Private Use
The same general principle applies to music.
Swiss IPI guidance specifically describes downloading or streaming works for private use as permitted.
However, uploading the music to other users through a file-sharing network is a different activity.
Is Torrent Seeding Legal in Switzerland?
This is where torrent users need to be especially careful.
Seeding is fundamentally an upload activity.
When you download a torrent, your client may simultaneously send pieces of the file to other participants.
That means a torrent client can turn an apparently simple download into a combination of:
- Downloading
- Uploading
- Peer-to-peer sharing
Swiss IPI guidance explicitly says that uploading copyrighted works is not permitted for private use, including through file-sharing networks.
Therefore, the fact that private downloading is permitted does not mean that unrestricted torrent seeding of copyrighted material is permitted.
Why This Matters With BitTorrent
Consider this simplified example:
Person A → downloads a movie
Person B → downloads pieces from Person A
Person A is not merely downloading anymore. Person A is also making pieces available to another user.
That upload component can create a copyright issue.
This is one of the most important differences between ordinary downloading and BitTorrent.
Is Downloading Torrents From Illegal Sources Legal in Switzerland?
For many copyrighted works, Swiss law permits private downloading even from an illegal source.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property explicitly states:
“Downloading or streaming works for private use is allowed by law.”
It further states that this includes downloading from illegal sources.
This is a particularly important feature of Swiss copyright law.
However, there are boundaries.
The private-use exception is not a blanket permission to do anything with copyrighted material. Uploading, public sharing, commercial exploitation, and certain categories such as computer programs are treated differently.
Can You Download Movies Using Torrents in Switzerland?
For private use, downloading copyrighted films is generally permitted under Swiss law.
The Swiss IPI specifically gives films as an example of copyrighted works that can be downloaded for private use.
For example:
- Downloading a movie for personal viewing → generally permitted
- Keeping a downloaded movie for yourself → generally permitted
- Downloading a movie from an unauthorized source for private use → generally permitted under the Swiss IPI’s guidance
- Uploading the movie to other torrent users → not covered by private use
- Running a torrent that continuously uploads the movie → potentially problematic
The important distinction is download versus upload.
Can You Torrent Music in Switzerland?
The general private-use principle also applies to music.
Downloading or streaming copyrighted music for private use is permitted under Swiss copyright guidance.
However, sharing that music with other people through a peer-to-peer network is different.
If your torrent client is uploading copyrighted music to other users, you are engaging in an activity that the private-use exception does not cover.
Is Torrenting Games Legal in Switzerland?
The answer becomes more complicated when dealing with games.
A video game can contain several types of protected material, including:
- Computer programs
- Graphics
- Music
- Videos
- Text
- Other copyrighted assets
The most important point is that Article 19’s private-use exception does not apply to computer programs.
Therefore, you should not assume that the private downloading rule applicable to movies and music also makes downloading unauthorized copies of games lawful.
A legally licensed game distributed through BitTorrent is different from an unauthorized copy.
For example:
Officially authorized game torrent: generally legal.
Open-source game distributed by its developers: generally legal.
Pirated proprietary game: the private-use exception for ordinary works should not be assumed to cover the computer program.
Is Downloading Software Torrents Legal in Switzerland?
This is one of the biggest exceptions to remember.
Computer programs are excluded from Article 19’s private-use exception.
That means you should not apply the common statement “downloading pirated content is legal in Switzerland” to software.
Software has separate copyright rules.
This includes:
- Operating systems
- Commercial applications
- Video-editing software
- Professional software
- Cracked applications
- Keygens
- Unauthorized copies of games
- Other proprietary computer programs
A properly licensed or open-source program is obviously a different matter.
What About Linux Torrents?
Linux distributions are a good example of legal torrenting.
Many Linux projects intentionally distribute their operating-system images through BitTorrent.
In that situation:
The copyright holder has authorized distribution, so torrenting is perfectly legitimate.
This demonstrates why it is incorrect to equate BitTorrent with piracy.
What About Cracked Software and Keygens?
Cracked software and keygens deserve particular caution.
They can involve:
- Unauthorized copies of computer programs
- Circumvention mechanisms
- Additional copyright issues
- Malware
- Credential theft
- Ransomware
- Unwanted software
Most importantly, the private-use exception in Article 19 does not apply to computer programs.
So the Swiss private-download rule for films and music should not be used as justification for downloading pirated software.
Is Uploading Copyrighted Content Illegal in Switzerland?
Generally, yes, unauthorized uploading of copyrighted material can infringe copyright.
The Swiss IPI is very clear on this point: uploading copyrighted works is not included in the private-use exception, including when using file-sharing networks.
This is important because uploading can happen automatically.
A torrent client may continue uploading after the download has finished.
Therefore, a person who thinks:
“I am only downloading.”
may actually be:
Downloading + uploading.
The legal treatment of those two activities is not the same.
Is Seeding the Same as Uploading?
From a practical BitTorrent perspective, seeding is uploading.
Once you have a complete copy of a torrent, your client can continue sending pieces to other peers.
That means the term “seeding” should not create a false sense of safety.
For copyrighted content, the important question is not simply whether the client calls the activity “seeding.”
The important question is whether you are making copyrighted material available to other people without authorization.
Swiss IPI guidance specifically identifies file-sharing networks as an example of uploading that is not covered by private use.
What About Downloading and Uploading at the Same Time?
This is one of the most important concepts for Swiss torrent users.
Imagine you download a 10 GB movie.
While downloading, your torrent client sends 2 GB of pieces to other peers.
You have therefore performed two different activities:
| Activity | Amount |
|---|---|
| Downloaded | 10 GB |
| Uploaded | 2 GB |
The 10 GB download may fall within the private-use exception if the work and circumstances qualify.
The 2 GB upload is different because private use does not authorize uploading copyrighted works through file-sharing networks.
Does Switzerland Have a Special Torrenting Law?
Switzerland does not need a special “torrent law” to regulate BitTorrent.
Instead, torrenting is governed by the country’s existing copyright framework.
The main legislation is the Federal Act on Copyright and Related Rights (CopA).
The Act gives copyright owners rights over activities such as reproduction, distribution and making works available, while also providing specific exceptions such as private use.
So the same copyright principles apply whether the content is transferred through:
- BitTorrent
- A website
- Cloud storage
- A file-sharing platform
- Social media
- Another online service
The technology changes the method of delivery, not the underlying copyright rights.
Can Copyright Owners See Your IP Address in Switzerland?
Copyright enforcement online can involve IP addresses, but Swiss law makes an important distinction between downloaders and uploaders.
The Swiss IPI explains that the 2019 copyright revision clarified that rights holders may record the IP addresses of uploaders and submit them to criminal authorities as part of a criminal complaint. It also states that downloading films or music for private use cannot be criminally prosecuted and that, in such cases, recording IP addresses is not permitted.
The IPI also explains that, in online copyright infringement cases, rights owners may record an IP address associated with an infringement and submit it to criminal authorities, subject to applicable data-protection rules.
This reinforces the importance of the download/upload distinction.
Can You Get a Copyright Notice for Torrenting in Switzerland?
The answer depends heavily on what activity occurred.
A private download of a film or music track is treated differently from unauthorized uploading.
The Swiss IPI specifically states that private downloading of films or music cannot be criminally prosecuted.
Unauthorized uploading, however, can constitute copyright infringement and can potentially lead to enforcement.
If you receive a legal notice, it is better to examine:
- What work is allegedly involved?
- Was the allegation about downloading or uploading?
- What date and time are identified?
- What IP address is listed?
- What legal provision is cited?
- Is the allegation directed at you personally?
- Is the sender a rights holder, lawyer, or another organization?
For a serious legal notice, professional legal advice is appropriate.
Can You Use a VPN for Torrenting in Switzerland?
A VPN can be useful for privacy and network security, but it does not change copyright law.
A VPN generally routes your internet traffic through a VPN server and can prevent ordinary torrent peers from seeing your residential public IP address.
However:
A VPN does not turn unauthorized uploading into authorized uploading.
It also does not transform copyrighted software into legally licensed software.
Think of a VPN as a privacy tool, not a copyright exemption.
VPN vs Swiss Torrenting Law
| Question | VPN effect |
|---|---|
| Does it hide your normal IP from torrent peers? | Potentially yes |
| Does it encrypt traffic between you and VPN server? | Generally yes |
| Does it make piracy legal? | No |
| Does it authorize uploading copyrighted files? | No |
| Does it make software licensing irrelevant? | No |
| Does it guarantee anonymity? | No |
| Does it prevent malware? | No |
Are Private Torrent Trackers Legal in Switzerland?
A private torrent tracker is not automatically illegal simply because it is private.
As with public trackers, the important question is what content is being distributed and whether the distribution is authorized.
A private tracker distributing:
- Linux distributions
- Open-source software
- Public-domain works
- Authorized media
can operate differently from a tracker facilitating unauthorized distribution.
Private membership does not create a special copyright exemption.
Are Public Torrent Trackers Illegal in Switzerland?
Not necessarily.
A public tracker is simply a mechanism for helping peers discover each other.
The legality depends on the activities and content associated with it.
A tracker used for legitimate open-source distribution is very different from a service dedicated to unauthorized distribution.
Again:
BitTorrent technology is not the same thing as copyright infringement.
Is Downloading Public-Domain Content Legal?
Yes.
If a work is genuinely in the public domain, copyright protection has expired or otherwise does not apply to that work.
Torrenting such content is generally no different from obtaining it through another distribution method.
For example, an appropriately sourced public-domain work can be distributed through:
- BitTorrent
- HTTP
- FTP
- Cloud storage
- Physical media
The distribution method does not create copyright protection where none exists.
What About Creative Commons Torrents?
Creative Commons content can also be legally distributed through BitTorrent when the applicable license permits it.
However, Creative Commons does not mean “no rules.”
Different Creative Commons licenses can impose conditions involving:
- Attribution
- Non-commercial use
- ShareAlike
- Restrictions on derivatives
Always check the specific license.
What About Open-Source Software?
Open-source software is one of the clearest legitimate uses of torrent technology.
For example, a project may intentionally provide:
- ISO images
- Installation packages
- Operating systems
- Large datasets
- Software distributions
through BitTorrent.
If the copyright holder has authorized the distribution, downloading and sharing that material is part of the project’s intended distribution model.
What About Backups?
Swiss copyright law contains various provisions concerning permitted uses, including archive and backup copies in appropriate circumstances. The Swiss IPI lists making archive and backup copies among legally permitted uses, subject to the specific requirements of copyright law.
However, a backup of software is not the same thing as downloading an unauthorized copy of software.
The fact that you could legally create a backup of a program you are entitled to use does not automatically give you permission to obtain a copy from an unrelated torrent.
Does Swiss Law Allow Private Sharing With Friends?
Swiss private-use provisions cover personal use and use within a closely connected private circle such as family or friends.
But internet file-sharing needs careful consideration because publishing or uploading a work online can move beyond the private sphere.
The IPI specifically states that uploading works to a file-sharing network is not covered by private use.
So you should not assume that the private-use exception gives you unlimited permission to distribute copyrighted material to internet users.
Does Torrenting Make You Anonymous?
No.
BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer system.
Depending on the configuration and network involved, participants can potentially see the public IP addresses used by other peers.
A VPN may hide your residential IP from peers, but that does not guarantee complete anonymity.
Other information may still exist with:
- Your VPN provider
- Your torrent client
- Your operating system
- Websites you visit
- Accounts you use
- Payment providers
- Other online services
Therefore:
VPN privacy and copyright legality are separate questions.
Is Torrenting Safe in Switzerland?
Legal and safe are two different concepts.
Even when a particular download is permitted under Swiss law, the file itself could still contain:
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Spyware
- Fake installers
- Malicious scripts
- Credential stealers
- Unwanted software
A torrent can therefore be legally downloadable while still being technically unsafe.
Basic Torrent Safety Checklist
Before opening downloaded files:
- Use a reputable BitTorrent client.
- Keep your operating system updated.
- Keep security software enabled.
- Be suspicious of unexpected executable files.
- Do not blindly run cracks or keygens.
- Check file extensions carefully.
- Avoid suspicious archives.
- Verify official hashes when available.
- Prefer official or trusted distribution sources.
- Do not disable antivirus simply because a download tells you to.
- Keep important data backed up.
Is Torrenting Legal Without a VPN in Switzerland?
Yes, a VPN is not legally required to use BitTorrent.
Whether you need one depends on your privacy and security requirements.
A VPN can provide an additional privacy layer, particularly because BitTorrent is peer-to-peer.
But Swiss law does not say that you must use a VPN to legally download content.
Likewise, using a VPN does not make an otherwise unauthorized upload legal.
What Happens If You Accidentally Seed a Torrent?
This is an important practical question.
Many torrent clients automatically continue seeding after a download finishes.
If you are downloading copyrighted material that you are permitted to download for private use, the upload component is a separate issue.
Because Swiss private use does not authorize uploading copyrighted works through file-sharing networks, you should understand your torrent client’s upload behavior rather than assuming that “download” means no upload occurred.
If the matter has potential legal consequences, preserve relevant information and consider consulting a Swiss copyright lawyer rather than relying on generic online advice.
Is Torrenting Software Different From Torrenting Movies?
Yes.
This is perhaps the most important exception in Switzerland.
Article 19 explicitly says that the private-use provision does not apply to computer programs.
So a simplified comparison looks like this:
| Content | Private downloading position |
|---|---|
| Movies | Generally permitted for private use |
| Music | Generally permitted for private use |
| Photos | Depends on circumstances and work |
| Books | Private-use rules may apply |
| TV recordings | Depends on circumstances |
| Computer programs | Article 19 private-use exception does not apply |
| Open-source software | Generally permitted under its license |
| Public-domain works | Generally permitted |
| Creative Commons works | Depends on license |
This is why broad statements such as “pirating is legal in Switzerland” are misleading.
The law is more nuanced.
What Are the Penalties for Copyright Infringement in Switzerland?
Swiss copyright law provides enforcement mechanisms for copyright infringements.
The Copyright Act contains criminal provisions, including Article 67. The applicable consequences depend on the specific infringement and circumstances.
The Swiss IPI explains that copyright owners can defend their rights through civil or criminal proceedings, with the competent court deciding whether an infringement occurred.
The law also distinguishes certain commercially motivated conduct. The current Copyright Act provides that some acts committed for commercial gain can be prosecuted ex officio and can carry a custodial sentence of up to five years or a monetary penalty.
For ordinary users, the most important takeaway is not to reduce Swiss copyright law to a single maximum penalty.
The exact consequences depend on the work, conduct, intent, scale, commercial aspect, and applicable legal provision.
Does Switzerland Prosecute Torrent Users?
It is important to distinguish private downloading from unauthorized uploading.
The Swiss IPI explicitly states that downloading films or music for private use cannot be criminally prosecuted.
The situation is different when someone makes copyrighted works available to others.
Swiss copyright enforcement provisions allow rights holders to pursue infringement, including through civil and criminal procedures where applicable.
Therefore, the simplistic statement “Switzerland doesn’t prosecute torrent users” is inaccurate.
A better statement is:
Swiss law gives substantial protection to private downloading of many types of content, while unauthorized uploading remains subject to copyright enforcement.
Is Torrenting Legal in Switzerland for Personal Use?
For many types of copyrighted works, yes, private downloading is permitted.
The Swiss IPI specifically says that downloading or streaming works for private use is allowed, even from illegal sources.
But three qualifications are essential:
- Private use does not authorize uploading.
- Computer programs are excluded from Article 19’s private-use exception.
- Commercial or public distribution is a different legal situation.
These distinctions prevent the private-use exception from being misunderstood.
What About Movies, Music, Games, and Software?
Here’s the simplest way to remember the Swiss position:
Movies
Private downloading is generally permitted.
Music
Private downloading is generally permitted.
TV Shows
Private downloading may fall within private use depending on the circumstances.
Books
Private-use rules can apply, subject to the conditions and limitations of the Copyright Act.
Games
Computer-program elements mean you should not automatically apply the private-use exception.
Software
Article 19 does not apply to computer programs.
Cracks and Keygens
Do not assume they are covered by private-use rules. They can involve computer-program copyright and other legal issues.
Common Myths About Torrenting in Switzerland
Myth 1: “Torrenting is illegal in Switzerland.”
False.
BitTorrent itself is a legal technology.
Myth 2: “Everything is legal to download in Switzerland.”
False.
Private-use rules have boundaries, and computer programs are specifically excluded from Article 19.
Myth 3: “If downloading is legal, seeding must also be legal.”
False.
The Swiss IPI specifically distinguishes downloading from uploading.
Myth 4: “A VPN makes torrenting legal.”
False.
A VPN provides privacy/security features. It does not change copyright law.
Myth 5: “Private trackers are automatically legal.”
False.
Private status does not create a copyright exemption.
Myth 6: “All torrenting is piracy.”
False.
BitTorrent is widely used for legitimate distribution.
Myth 7: “Swiss users can freely torrent software.”
False.
Article 19’s private-use exception expressly does not apply to computer programs.
Myth 8: “If I am not making money, uploading is automatically legal.”
False.
The Swiss IPI states that uploading copyrighted works is not covered by private use regardless of whether the user intends to make a profit.
How to Torrent More Safely in Switzerland
If you use BitTorrent for legitimate or permitted purposes, follow a few basic practices.
1. Prefer Authorized Sources
Whenever possible, use torrents published or authorized by the copyright holder.
2. Understand Your Client’s Upload Behavior
Check whether your torrent client automatically seeds completed downloads.
3. Be Careful With Software
Remember that computer programs are excluded from Article 19’s private-use exception.
4. Keep Security Software Enabled
Do not assume that a torrent is safe just because it has thousands of seeders.
5. Verify Files
For software and other important downloads, use official checksums or digital signatures where available.
6. Use a VPN If Privacy Matters
A reputable VPN can reduce IP exposure to torrent peers, but it is not a copyright workaround.
7. Avoid Cracks and Keygens
These are both legally complicated and significant malware risks.
8. Know What You Are Sharing
Torrenting can involve simultaneous downloading and uploading.
Switzerland vs Other Countries
Switzerland’s private-use approach can differ significantly from the rules in neighboring countries.
For example, some European copyright systems place much greater emphasis on whether the source of a private copy was lawful.
Switzerland’s IPI expressly states that private downloading can be permitted even when the source is illegal.
That does not mean Switzerland has no copyright protection.
Instead, Switzerland has chosen to protect certain private uses while maintaining restrictions on unauthorized uploading and other forms of exploitation.
A Simple Decision Guide
When deciding whether a torrent is legally safe to use in Switzerland, ask:
1. What am I downloading?
Movie? Music? Book? Software? Game? Dataset?
2. Is it protected by copyright?
If not, copyright restrictions may not apply.
3. Is it licensed for distribution?
If yes, torrenting it is generally straightforward.
4. Am I using it privately?
Private use is an important Swiss exception.
5. Am I uploading or seeding it?
This is crucial because private use does not authorize uploading copyrighted works.
6. Is it computer software?
If yes, Article 19’s private-use exception does not apply.
7. Am I distributing it commercially or publicly?
If yes, you may be outside the private-use exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is torrenting illegal in Switzerland in 2026?
No. BitTorrent itself is legal. Swiss law permits private downloading of many copyrighted works, including downloads from unauthorized sources, but unauthorized uploading is not covered by private use.
Is downloading movies with torrents legal in Switzerland?
For private use, downloading copyrighted films is generally permitted under Swiss law.
Is downloading music with torrents legal in Switzerland?
Private downloading of copyrighted music is generally permitted.
Is seeding illegal in Switzerland?
Unauthorized seeding of copyrighted material can constitute uploading, which is not covered by the private-use exception.
Can I download from an illegal torrent source?
Swiss IPI guidance says private downloading is permitted even from illegal sources, although this does not authorize uploading or other forms of exploitation.
Is torrenting software legal in Switzerland?
You should not apply the private-download exception to software because Article 19 expressly excludes computer programs.
Can I use a VPN for torrenting in Switzerland?
Yes. A VPN can be used as a privacy and security tool, but it does not change copyright rules.
Can copyright owners see my IP address?
In certain copyright-infringement situations, IP addresses can be processed and submitted to criminal authorities under Swiss rules. The IPI specifically distinguishes this from private downloading of films or music, which cannot be criminally prosecuted.
Are private torrent trackers legal in Switzerland?
Private trackers are not inherently illegal. Their legality depends on the content and activities they facilitate.
Is BitTorrent itself illegal?
No. BitTorrent is a technology and has many legitimate uses.
Final Verdict: Is Torrenting Legal in Switzerland in 2026?
Yes, torrenting itself is legal in Switzerland.
Switzerland has a particularly important private-use exception under its copyright framework. The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property states that downloading or streaming works for private use is permitted, even when the source is unauthorized.
But that does not mean everything involving torrents is legal.
The most important distinction is:
Private downloading can be permitted, while unauthorized uploading is not.
This matters enormously for BitTorrent because torrent clients can upload pieces of files while downloading them.
There is also an important software exception: Article 19 does not apply to computer programs, so the private-use rule for films and music should not be treated as permission to download unauthorized software.
So the best summary is:
BitTorrent is legal in Switzerland. Private downloading of many copyrighted works is permitted. Unauthorized uploading and seeding can create copyright liability, and computer programs are excluded from the private-use exception.
If you use torrents for Linux distributions, open-source projects, public-domain works, Creative Commons content, or other authorized material, BitTorrent can be a perfectly legitimate technology.
