Ultimate Guide To Torrents in the UK
The United Kingdom is a global economic leader and one of the safest places in the world to live, but it's also known becoming known as a big brother state with government oversight in almost all facets of daily life. The United Kingdom has been increasingly active when it comes to internet censorship and has enlisted the help of the top 4 internet providers (BT, Sky, Virgin, and TalkTalk) to filter 'objectionable' websites and actually block access to various websites that governmental organizations find unacceptable.
Types of websites blocked by the 'Great Firewall of Britain' include: file-sharing, censorship circumvention tools, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and more.
There have been numerous reports of accidental 'over-blocking' of completely legitimate websites, including the homepages of major musical artists.
One of the most blocked site-types are those sights related to file-sharing and bittorrent, especially torrent tracker sites, including: Kickass Torrents, The PirateBay, Demonoid, ISOHunt, and dozens more, all of which are actively blocked in the UK. Even Torrent Freak which is a blog dedicated to torrent related news and never links to pirated content has been blocked by several ISPs. Which is why we wrote our own guide on how to unblock torrent sites in the UK.
Here at the Bittorrent VPN Guide, we believe that the internet should be free and open, and users should be able to choose for themselves which websites they do or do not access. That's why we built this guide, to show you how to quickly and easily circumvent website blocking in the UK and easily access torrent sites from the UK, including the PirateBay and Kickass Torrents. We also recommend you checkout our Guide to Totally Anonymous Torrents.
Types of websites blocked by the 'Great Firewall of Britain' include: file-sharing, censorship circumvention tools, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and more.
There have been numerous reports of accidental 'over-blocking' of completely legitimate websites, including the homepages of major musical artists.
One of the most blocked site-types are those sights related to file-sharing and bittorrent, especially torrent tracker sites, including: Kickass Torrents, The PirateBay, Demonoid, ISOHunt, and dozens more, all of which are actively blocked in the UK. Even Torrent Freak which is a blog dedicated to torrent related news and never links to pirated content has been blocked by several ISPs. Which is why we wrote our own guide on how to unblock torrent sites in the UK.
Here at the Bittorrent VPN Guide, we believe that the internet should be free and open, and users should be able to choose for themselves which websites they do or do not access. That's why we built this guide, to show you how to quickly and easily circumvent website blocking in the UK and easily access torrent sites from the UK, including the PirateBay and Kickass Torrents. We also recommend you checkout our Guide to Totally Anonymous Torrents.
How Sites are Blocked and 'Tracked'
With the United Kingdom's 4 largest internet providers voluntarily participating in filtering objectionable websites in the UK, 90% of internet users in the UK are having their web access filtered.
Websites deemed inappropriate are blocked at a IP and domain-name level, making them virtually impossible to access from the UK without specific tools to circumvent internet censorship.
When proxy sites like torrentproxy.net were created to get around the UK's blocking of The Pirate Bay, the ISP's began blocking torrent proxy sites as well.
Because the UK has strict data retention laws for ISP's, any attempt to access a blocked site may be monitored and logged in a data file for 6 months or more. Fortunately, there is a way to get around the monitoring of your internet usage, unblock torrent sites, and keep your web history private...
Websites deemed inappropriate are blocked at a IP and domain-name level, making them virtually impossible to access from the UK without specific tools to circumvent internet censorship.
When proxy sites like torrentproxy.net were created to get around the UK's blocking of The Pirate Bay, the ISP's began blocking torrent proxy sites as well.
Because the UK has strict data retention laws for ISP's, any attempt to access a blocked site may be monitored and logged in a data file for 6 months or more. Fortunately, there is a way to get around the monitoring of your internet usage, unblock torrent sites, and keep your web history private...
Free Methods to Unblock Torrent Sites in the UK
There are a number of free tools that will allow you to unblock censored websites quickly and easily. There is a catch with free tools, however. Though they will allow you to access blocked websites and bypass restrictions, they won't allow you to actually download torrents anonymously. For that you'll need an anonymous VPN or torrent proxy service, which we discuss below.
Tool #1 - Tor Browser (Our Favorite Option)
For those that aren't familiar with the Tor Browser, it's a completely free, open-source project to bypass internet censorship through the use of 'onion routing'. This technology uses multiple blind proxy relay servers, and layered levels of encryption (like an onion) to keep your internet browsing completely anonymous.
If you use tor, your internet traffic will be routed through multiple proxy servers automatically, making it impossible for the destination server (the website you're visiting) to be able to identify the end-user (you). It also makes it impossible for your internet provider, to see which websites you're visiting, or to block sites, since all data transmitted through Tor is encrypted and unreadable by your ISP.
Best of all, Tor is free and very easy to set up. All you have to do is download the 'Tor Browser Bundle' which is a customized version of Mozilla Firebox, which is preconfigured to use the Tor Network right out of the box, with no additional setup needed on your part.
Tool #2 - Free HTTPS Web Proxies
These are useful tools for quickly accessing a blocked site. A web proxy functions like this: you go to the proxy site and it will have an address bar where you can type in the site you want to visit. The site you want will then load in an iFrame on the same page (the proxy server fetches the page for you unblocked instead of you accessing it directly). Many of these free web proxy sites use encryption so your ISP can't view your activity (though not all).
Free Web Proxy Providers:
Tool #1 - Tor Browser (Our Favorite Option)
For those that aren't familiar with the Tor Browser, it's a completely free, open-source project to bypass internet censorship through the use of 'onion routing'. This technology uses multiple blind proxy relay servers, and layered levels of encryption (like an onion) to keep your internet browsing completely anonymous.
If you use tor, your internet traffic will be routed through multiple proxy servers automatically, making it impossible for the destination server (the website you're visiting) to be able to identify the end-user (you). It also makes it impossible for your internet provider, to see which websites you're visiting, or to block sites, since all data transmitted through Tor is encrypted and unreadable by your ISP.
Best of all, Tor is free and very easy to set up. All you have to do is download the 'Tor Browser Bundle' which is a customized version of Mozilla Firebox, which is preconfigured to use the Tor Network right out of the box, with no additional setup needed on your part.
Tool #2 - Free HTTPS Web Proxies
These are useful tools for quickly accessing a blocked site. A web proxy functions like this: you go to the proxy site and it will have an address bar where you can type in the site you want to visit. The site you want will then load in an iFrame on the same page (the proxy server fetches the page for you unblocked instead of you accessing it directly). Many of these free web proxy sites use encryption so your ISP can't view your activity (though not all).
Free Web Proxy Providers:
How to Download Torrents Anonymously in the UK
The easiest (and best) method for unblocking torrent tracker sites and downloading torrents anonymously in the UK is through the use of an anonymous VPN service.
A VPN provides torrent downloaders with 2 extremely useful features:
1 - A VPN encrypts all data sent and received by your computer, using extremely strong encryption methods, so that even your ISP cannot read your data or see which websites you're visiting. This prevents them from blocking sites, throttling your torrent downloads (slowing them down) or logging/monitoring what files you're downloading.
2 - A VPN changes your IP address (the only personally identifiable information that appears in a torrent swarm) to an anonymous IP address belonging to that VPN company's servers. If that VPN also keeps no server logs (we always recommend using a no-logs VPN for torrents) then it is virtually impossible to trace any torrent activity from the IP address appearing in a bittorrent swarm back to your computer.
As a result, a VPN allows you to remain extremely secure and anonymous online and on BitTorrent.
A VPN provides torrent downloaders with 2 extremely useful features:
1 - A VPN encrypts all data sent and received by your computer, using extremely strong encryption methods, so that even your ISP cannot read your data or see which websites you're visiting. This prevents them from blocking sites, throttling your torrent downloads (slowing them down) or logging/monitoring what files you're downloading.
2 - A VPN changes your IP address (the only personally identifiable information that appears in a torrent swarm) to an anonymous IP address belonging to that VPN company's servers. If that VPN also keeps no server logs (we always recommend using a no-logs VPN for torrents) then it is virtually impossible to trace any torrent activity from the IP address appearing in a bittorrent swarm back to your computer.
As a result, a VPN allows you to remain extremely secure and anonymous online and on BitTorrent.
The Best UK VPN's for Downloading Torrents
Not all VPN's are created equal, and when it comes to circumventing internet censorship in a 'surveillance state' like the UK, it's important that you choose a VPN provider with a reputation for privacy, security, and reliability.
VPN Pricing: If you're new to the concept of VPN technology, you'll be pleased to know that personal VPN service is extremely affordable due a massive surge in demand over the last 5 years coupled with cheaper bandwidth prices and increased competition in the internet security sector. Most VPN services cost around $7-10 (USD) per month, and there are even a few excellent VPN services under $5 (if you buy year subscription). When you consider that the cost of VPN is cheaper than you're monthly Netflix subscription (and a VPN will actually allow you to access American Netflix titles as well) it's well worth the price.
How we chose our favorite UK torrent VPN's:
For this list, we only included VPN services that are:
VPN Pricing: If you're new to the concept of VPN technology, you'll be pleased to know that personal VPN service is extremely affordable due a massive surge in demand over the last 5 years coupled with cheaper bandwidth prices and increased competition in the internet security sector. Most VPN services cost around $7-10 (USD) per month, and there are even a few excellent VPN services under $5 (if you buy year subscription). When you consider that the cost of VPN is cheaper than you're monthly Netflix subscription (and a VPN will actually allow you to access American Netflix titles as well) it's well worth the price.
How we chose our favorite UK torrent VPN's:
For this list, we only included VPN services that are:
- Very torrent-friendly (torrents specifically allowed on their network)
- No activity logs. Connection logs destroyed within 24 hours or less.
- OpenVPN Encryption (Military Grade)
- Fast download speeds.
- VPN's all include servers in UK, USA, and Netherlands (+ more)
Our favorite VPN services for Torrenting from the UK:
- Private Internet Access (Includes torrent proxy service free!)
- IPVanish
- Hideme VPN
- Proxy.sh (Includes proxy service free!)
- Torguard
Private Internet Access (#1 UK VPN for Torrents)
Private Internet Access consistently tops our 'Best Of' VPN lists for 3 simple reasons: They take your privacy seriously, they have excellent security/anonymity, and they are very 'Torrent Friendly'. And if you still need a 4th reason, how about the fact that an annual subscription to PIA is only $3.33/month making it the best value of any top level VPN plan in the world.
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Pricing as low as $3.33/month
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IPVanish VPN (#2 VPN for UK Torrents)
IPVanish is a USA based VPN (good) with top-tier speeds and a huge global footprint (servers in 69+ countries). In early 2014 they switched to a No Logs Policy, making them one of our top torrent VPN's. The USA doesn't require VPN services to log data on their users, so IPVanish can deliver maximum privacy to their subscribers.
The real advantage of IPVanish is their network. IPVanish's parent company owns one of the largest data backbones in the world. As a result, IPVanish can deliver faster speeds than their competitors, because they own their network.
IPVanish has 6 servers located in the UK, so you can always find a fast server close to home. They also have servers in the best locations for downloading torrents, including: The Netherlands, Romania, Luxemburg, and Switzerland.
The real advantage of IPVanish is their network. IPVanish's parent company owns one of the largest data backbones in the world. As a result, IPVanish can deliver faster speeds than their competitors, because they own their network.
IPVanish has 6 servers located in the UK, so you can always find a fast server close to home. They also have servers in the best locations for downloading torrents, including: The Netherlands, Romania, Luxemburg, and Switzerland.
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Who should choose IPVanish?
If speed is your top priority (especially if you have a 25mbps+ connection), or if you want a ton of server locations to choose from, IPVanish should be at the top of your list. Visit IPVanish
Best IPVanish Offer
* IPVanish is currently (as of 12/1/2014) running an offer where you can save 20% off any VPN package for your first 3 billing periods (up to 3 years on an annual plan). To get this offer, click this link. Then click the 'start now.' This will take you to a page with the packages and pricing. Don't click anything, just wait a little while until you get a popup box with the 20% off offer.
Tip: If the offer doesn't pop up, try moving your mouse around near the 'close window' button on your browser.
If speed is your top priority (especially if you have a 25mbps+ connection), or if you want a ton of server locations to choose from, IPVanish should be at the top of your list. Visit IPVanish
Best IPVanish Offer
* IPVanish is currently (as of 12/1/2014) running an offer where you can save 20% off any VPN package for your first 3 billing periods (up to 3 years on an annual plan). To get this offer, click this link. Then click the 'start now.' This will take you to a page with the packages and pricing. Don't click anything, just wait a little while until you get a popup box with the 20% off offer.
Tip: If the offer doesn't pop up, try moving your mouse around near the 'close window' button on your browser.
Hide.Me VPN
Hide.me is a newer VPN service that is still flying under the radar (which is probably how they like it). Despite their low profile, Hide.me is extremely popular with bittorrent users. They have been advertising heavily on Kickass Torrents (the #2 torrent site in the world) and we think they offer an excellent blend of anonymity/security/features.
Like the other VPN's on this list, Hide.me keeps no logs which gives their users maximum anonymity when downloading torrents.
Hide.me as servers in over 10 countries in Europe, including the UK. All servers have Gigabit+ bandwidth capacity meaning their is tons of speed available. We've also found their servers to be relatively uncrowded, letting you get much better than average VPN speeds.
Like the other VPN's on this list, Hide.me keeps no logs which gives their users maximum anonymity when downloading torrents.
Hide.me as servers in over 10 countries in Europe, including the UK. All servers have Gigabit+ bandwidth capacity meaning their is tons of speed available. We've also found their servers to be relatively uncrowded, letting you get much better than average VPN speeds.
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Hide.me is great for downloading torrents
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Proxy.sh VPN (With Free Proxy!)
Proxy.sh VPN offers nearly same features as Private Internet Access at a very competitive price. They're an industry leader in transparency and the actually publish a daily Transparency Report which shows every DMCA notice and warrant they receive for activity on their network.
The only reason we don't have them closer to the top of our list is the fact that they're a relatively new VPN provider, so they can't yet match the excellent reputations of VPN providers like Private Internet Access and IPVanish.
Proxy.sh has excellent VPN software for both desktop and mobile devices, making it super easy to download torrents anonymously on any device. They're a great choice for users from the United Kingdom, and they include UK VPN servers with their 'Solid' VPN package.
Free Proxy Servers:
Proxy.sh includes free proxy server access with any VPN subscription. These proxies are great for unblocking VOD sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora from your web browser, or to anonymize your torrent traffic and route it separately from the rest of your internet traffic. (This can all be wrapped in VPN encryption if you want, for an additional layer of privacy).
The only reason we don't have them closer to the top of our list is the fact that they're a relatively new VPN provider, so they can't yet match the excellent reputations of VPN providers like Private Internet Access and IPVanish.
Proxy.sh has excellent VPN software for both desktop and mobile devices, making it super easy to download torrents anonymously on any device. They're a great choice for users from the United Kingdom, and they include UK VPN servers with their 'Solid' VPN package.
Free Proxy Servers:
Proxy.sh includes free proxy server access with any VPN subscription. These proxies are great for unblocking VOD sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora from your web browser, or to anonymize your torrent traffic and route it separately from the rest of your internet traffic. (This can all be wrapped in VPN encryption if you want, for an additional layer of privacy).
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Visit Proxy.sh
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Who should choose Proxy.sh?
If you want all the best features of Private Internet Access (our top-ranked VPN) with more server locations (Proxy.sh has 40+ and PIA only offers 11) then proxy.sh is a great place to start.
Proxy.sh is based in the island of Seychelles (a privacy haven) so if prefer an offshore VPN rather than a USA based VPN, proxy.sh fits the bill. Not convinced yet? Read our Proxy.sh review.
If you want all the best features of Private Internet Access (our top-ranked VPN) with more server locations (Proxy.sh has 40+ and PIA only offers 11) then proxy.sh is a great place to start.
Proxy.sh is based in the island of Seychelles (a privacy haven) so if prefer an offshore VPN rather than a USA based VPN, proxy.sh fits the bill. Not convinced yet? Read our Proxy.sh review.
Final Thoughts
Downloading torrents in the United Kingdom can be a dicey proposition if you're using your own internet connection with no additional protection, but with the help of a simple (yet incredibly effective) tool like VPN, you can download torrents anonymously.
If use high-grade VPN encryption like services we recommend above, even your ISP won't be able to see what sites you're visiting or torrent files you're downloading.
If you decide to choose a VPN not on this list, we reccommend that you choose a VPN provider that keeps no logs of any kind. This will give the highest level of security/anonymity when connected a VPN server.
Other VPN Benefits:
Besides allowing you to download torrents anonymously and bypass website restrictions in the UK, a VPN offers several other advantages.
Unblock Global Streaming Services
Want to watch american netflix with a UK netflix account? Just connect to a USA based VPN server and you easily access the entire USA Netflix catalog. The same goes for Pandora, Hulu, HBOGO and more!
Identity Protection
Public wifi is incredibly popular in Europe (and the United Kingdom in particular) but these public wifi networks are also hotspots for identity theft. Users on the same network can pull usernames, passwords, or potentially even gain access to your files.
Because a VPN encrypts all your data transmissions, it can help keep your private information safe and secure on public networks.
Thanks for reading. If you found this article helpful, please share it with a friend!
If use high-grade VPN encryption like services we recommend above, even your ISP won't be able to see what sites you're visiting or torrent files you're downloading.
If you decide to choose a VPN not on this list, we reccommend that you choose a VPN provider that keeps no logs of any kind. This will give the highest level of security/anonymity when connected a VPN server.
Other VPN Benefits:
Besides allowing you to download torrents anonymously and bypass website restrictions in the UK, a VPN offers several other advantages.
Unblock Global Streaming Services
Want to watch american netflix with a UK netflix account? Just connect to a USA based VPN server and you easily access the entire USA Netflix catalog. The same goes for Pandora, Hulu, HBOGO and more!
Identity Protection
Public wifi is incredibly popular in Europe (and the United Kingdom in particular) but these public wifi networks are also hotspots for identity theft. Users on the same network can pull usernames, passwords, or potentially even gain access to your files.
Because a VPN encrypts all your data transmissions, it can help keep your private information safe and secure on public networks.
Thanks for reading. If you found this article helpful, please share it with a friend!