I just read this article about a new torrent client called ZipTorrent. The client, modded from the popular Java based client, Azureus, has options such as “no upload”, send fake data, always appear as a leech (0% complete), always appear as a seed (100% complete), and so on. The point is, essentially, to use this software to catch individuals who might be downloading copyrighted files. This is pretty scary, so whatever you are downloading, I’d say to keep an eye out for anyone using the ZipTorrent client. Unfortunately, it seems that the client might also be able to “appear” as a different client, so there is really no way to be sure.

Probably the biggest threat with this client is the fact that it functions as a peer on the Bittorrent file(s) with you. From what I have read, it is typically more common for individuals to be caught based on tracker logs, rather than directly interacting with a peer from the government. It is much easier, after all, to review tracker logs, as compared with logging into each torrent that might contain pirated media. Proxies such as Tor are great for appearing as someone else on tracker logs, but they are very inefficient when it comes to peer-to-peer connections, so this is a little scary.

The safest bet for people, is, of course, to not download pirated media, but if you do, there are probably a few things to do to not get caught. Use a firewall and/or proxy, like Tor (I’m sure there are others that are also very good, but I haven’t done too much research), and avoid particularly sketchy seeming torrents. In particular, torrents for movies recently in theaters or released to DVD are prime targets for the government to track. I read a story a while ago about the government themselves hosting a Spiderman 2 torrent to catch individuals eager to get a recording. Seed up to your ratio, but don’t leave the torrent open for too long. If you are connected to peers, and your bittorrent client seems to keep downloading “junk” data, get the heck off the torrent. You can try restarting the torrent, as sometimes these things just tend to happen of their own accord, but it might be a safe bet to stay away if it happens again. Another thing to try is to use private trackers. These trackers require you to be invited to use the service, and are much more secure than random torrents out there. Although people out to bust you can still access the torrents if they get invited, one is still much safer using a private tracker. I’m looking to get an invite to Demonoid or another private tracker, so if anyone uses one, please let me know and/or invite.