For many Zimbabweans, Starlink has been a game changer, bringing reliable internet access to areas previously underserved. However, this newfound connectivity comes with a caveat: the increased scrutiny of your online activities, especially when it comes to torrenting.

Before Starlink, media rights groups rarely bothered with individual internet users in Zimbabwe. The potential returns simply didn’t justify the expense of pursuing copyright infringement cases in our courts. Suing someone loading movies onto USB sticks in Chitungwiza for a dollar per 10 movies? Not exactly a lucrative endeavour.

The arrival of Starlink has altered the equation. Several users have already received warnings for using torrents, highlighting a real risk of disconnection, turning your Starlink kit into an expensive weather vane. This is because Starlink, as an American company, is bound by US law, which requires them to prevent copyright infringement on their network. Failure to do so could leave them vulnerable to lawsuits from Hollywood studios – a concept known as vicarious liability.

Therefore, Starlink has a strict policy against torrents, particularly those involving copyrighted material. So, how can you enjoy the benefits of torrenting while staying within the bounds of the law and Starlink’s terms of service?

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not condone or encourage copyright infringement. We strongly advise you to support content creators by subscribing to legitimate streaming services and only downloading torrents of content that is not protected by copyright.

Understanding How Torrents Work

Let us break down the basics of torrenting in plain English. When you download a file via torrents, you are essentially participating in a decentralised network.

1. The Torrent File: You first download a small “torrent” file. This file doesn’t contain the actual content, but rather instructions on where to find pieces of that content across the internet.
2. Decentralised Downloading: Your torrent software then uses this file to connect to multiple “peers” – other users who have already downloaded parts (or all) of the file. You download the file in small pieces from these various computers, which is why torrenting can be relatively fast.
3. Simultaneous Uploading: Crucially, as you download these pieces, you also begin to upload them to other users. You are not just a downloader; you are also a uploader, sharing the file with the network.

This is where the problem arises. Because you are uploading, rights holders can easily monitor your activity. By joining the torrent network themselves, they can identify your IP address (your internet’s unique identifier) and see that you are sharing copyrighted material. They can then report this activity to Starlink.

Starlink also prioritises upload speeds for other services. Torrenting uses up valuable bandwidth and degrades internet experience for other users.

Solutions for Safe Torrenting on Starlink

Here are three practical solutions to help you download torrents safely on Starlink:

Rent a Seedbox

A seedbox is essentially a remote server dedicated to downloading and uploading torrents. Instead of using your own computer and Starlink connection, you rent a virtual computer located elsewhere.

• You upload the torrent file to your seedbox.
• The seedbox downloads the file using its own high-speed connection and IP address.
• Once the download is complete, you download the file from the seedbox to your computer using a standard, encrypted connection.

This way, your Starlink connection is never directly involved in the torrenting process, shielding your IP address from scrutiny.

A company called TorBox (a South African company) offers a relatively simple service. Torbox has a free limited account, where you can download a torrent a time. If you want more out of the service you can sign up for their paid plan where they charge US$3 per month and pay using Ecocash MasterCard or the Omari Visa. TorBox is more than just a seedbox, you can stream torrents instead of downloading them to your computer.

Use a Debrid Service

Debrid services act as intermediaries between you and torrent hosting sites, providing premium, direct downloads. A debrid service downloads the torrent file to their servers and then lets you download the file directly from them. They also allow you to stream the file from their servers among other advanced services.

These services offer several advantages:

• Privacy: Your IP address is masked, protecting your identity.
• Speed: Debrid services typically have high-speed connections, allowing for faster downloads.
• Security: Debrid services often use secure connections, further protecting your data.

Popular debrid services include Real-Debrid and AllDebrid. You pay a monthly fee for access to their services, which can be paid using debit cards like EcoCash MasterCard or Omari Visa Card. Then manually upload your torrent files.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a location of your choosing, effectively masking your IP address. Although this method is not as bulletproof as seedboxes or debrid services, a reliable VPN makes it significantly harder to trace your torrenting activity back to your Starlink connection.

• Choose a reputable VPN provider with a strict no-logs policy. This ensures that the VPN provider does not track your online activities.
• Connect to a VPN server before you start torrenting.
• Enable the VPN’s “kill switch” feature. This will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.

The Costs Involved

Be aware that all the above solutions come with a cost. Seedboxes and debrid services typically charge monthly fees, ranging from approximately US$2 to US$5. High-quality VPNs also require a subscription, although many offer free trials or money-back guarantees.

Staying on the Right Side of the Law

It is vital to remember that copyright infringement is illegal. Using torrents to download copyrighted movies, music, or software is a violation of the law and can lead to legal repercussions.

If you want to watch movies and TV shows, consider subscribing to legal streaming services like Netflix, Showmax, or DSTV. These platforms offer a vast library of content at a reasonable price, and you can enjoy your favourite shows without breaking the law or risking your Starlink connection.