IRS Notifies States There Will Be No Direct File Program For 2026
We knew this was coming, but it doesn’t make it any less stupid. The road to the IRS’ Direct File program was long and hard-fought. We here at Techdirt have been talking about, and advocating for, something like the Direct File program for at least 15 years. The concept behind the program is a simple one. For a class of citizens with very simple income and tax payments, the IRS already has all the information it needs to process a tax return. In those cases, the IRS can simply mail the information it has to a taxpayer, ask them to sign off verifying the information is complete and accurate, and then process the return. The problem with this is that it cuts out the tax-prep industry that absolutely adores preying on these very same people to milk them for tax-prep services they don’t actually need.
IRS Notifies States There Will Be No Direct File Program For 2026
We knew this was coming, but it doesn’t make it any less stupid. The road to the IRS’ Direct File program was long and hard-fought. We here at Techdirt have been talking about, and advo…Techdirt
Police report describes Republican Nancy Mace berating airport police and TSA agents
Police report describes Republican Nancy Mace berating airport police and TSA agents
South Carolina firebrand running for governor allegedly abused agents working without pay during shutdownGeorge Chidi (The Guardian)
L'intreccio filiforme del vampiro che incorpora le proprie vittime nell'organismo di una sola pianta - Il blog di Jacopo Ranieri
L'intreccio filiforme del vampiro che incorpora le proprie vittime nell'organismo di una sola pianta - Il blog di Jacopo Ranieri
Abbiamo un’idea relativamente chiara di cosa sia e come possa essere creata l’anti-materia, un elemento in grado di creare un’onda di deflagrazione che disgrega, cancella e annichila ogni cosa sul suo cammino.Jacopo (Il blog di Jacopo Ranieri)
FBI subpoenas the web registrar behind Archive.is
The FBI is attempting to track down the identity of the owner of Archive.today and its numerous mirrors, like Archive.is and Archive.ph. As reported by 404 Media, the FBI subpoena, which was posted on the official Archive.today X account, was sent to web domain registrar Tucows on October 30th demanding the “customer or subscriber name, address of service, and billing address” associated with Archive.today.The subpoena also requests telephone records, payment information, internet session info, network addresses, and even the services the site’s owner has used, such as email or cloud computing services. It goes on to say that this info “relates to a federal criminal investigation being conducted by the FBI,” but it doesn’t reference a specific crime.
FBI subpoenas the web registrar behind Archive.is
The FBI is subpoenaing a web domain registrar for information on the mysterious owner of the snapshotting site Archive.today.Stevie Bonifield (The Verge)
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Zohran Mamdani Provoked a Bipartisan Meltdown
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign represented a struggle for basic dignity and an affirmation of democratic potential. It was ceaselessly denounced by political and media elites from across the spectrum as something sinister, violent, and dangerous.
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We Still Need You — Don’t Let Hope Die
It’s been two long years of war. Hunger still hangs over us like a shadow. The little aid that manages to come through is often stolen or sold at impossible prices. We have nothing left — no savings, no safety, no warmth.
If you stop helping us, we lose not only food or shelter… we lose hope.
Please, stand with us once more. Your donations can help us buy food, winter clothes, and blankets to protect our families from the cold. Every small act of kindness keeps us alive.
🙏 We still need you. Don’t turn away.
#SupportUs #DonateNow #WarRelief #HumanityFirst #SaveLives #HopeForSurvival #HelpTheHungry #WinterAid #StandWithUs #TogetherForPeace
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Luanti (formerly Minetest) joins up with Open Collective Europe for funding
Luanti (formerly Minetest) joins up with Open Collective Europe for funding
Hopefully making this excellent open source voxel game engine project more manageable, Luanti (formerly Minetest) has joined up with Open Collective Europe.Liam Dawe (GamingOnLinux)
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Linux Mint is getting an improved Cinnamon menu and new troubleshooting tools
The Linux Mint team just shared a new report on what they worked on in October, and it highlights updates to Cinnamon, better troubleshooting tools, and a few other tweaks.
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Tesla delays reveal of production Roadster 2 to April Fools' Day
Musk said he picked the date so he "could say I was just kidding" if it changes again. He had spent months teasing a reveal by the end of this year.
[Patch Notes] 3.27.0b Hotfix 3
3.27.0b Hotfix 3
- The Market now shows a warning if you're trying to buy an item that is the same Item Class but has a different price to the one you've travelled to purchase.
- Fixed a client crash in the Hall of Grandmasters.
You will need to restart your client to receive the client changes in this patch.
Patch Notes - 3.27.0b Hotfix 3 - Forum - Path of Exile
Path of Exile is a free online-only action RPG under development by Grinding Gear Games in New Zealand.Path of Exile
Kanye West tells NYC rabbi he’s ‘taking accountability’ for his antisemitic tirades
The rapper, who has legally changed his name to Ye, expressed “profound remorse” for his past comments about the Jewish people and sought forgiveness for them
Apple’s latest sci-fi series Pluribus luxuriates in its mystery
An early, spoiler-free look at the show.
Apple’s latest sci-fi series Pluribus luxuriates in its mystery
Pluribus is the new show from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, and it starts streaming on Apple TV on November 7th.Andrew Webster (The Verge)
Qantas releases images of ultra long range Airbus that will fly non-stop from Sydney to London and New York
The A350-1000ULR is on the assembly line in France with the fuselage sections, wings and landing gear attached
Trump pardons former Tennessee House speaker convicted of federal public corruption charges
President Donald Trump has pardoned former Tennessee House speaker Glen Casada and his aide Cade Cothren.
Texas sues Roblox for 'putting paedophiles and profits' over safety
Roblox said it is "disappointed" that it is being sued based on "misrepresentations and sensationalised claims".
Peru congress declares Mexican president 'persona non grata'
The declaration comes days after Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico - after it granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister.
Archived version: archive.is/newest/bbc.com/news…
Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.
UK set to ban deepfake ‘nudification’ apps
Campaigners have long argued that apps allowing the creation of fake nude images need reining in.
Archived version: archive.is/newest/politico.eu/…
Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.
UK set to ban deepfake ‘nudification’ apps
Campaigners have long argued that apps allowing the creation of fake nude images need reining in.Mizy Clifton (POLITICO)
Switzerland lowers prices of 300 drugs
Swiss public health office says it has generating savings of at least CHF65 million.
Archived version: archive.is/newest/swissinfo.ch…
Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.
Iran’s Main Dam Supplying Tehran to Run Dry Within Days
A major dam that supplies drinking water to Iran’s capital and a neighboring province will run out of water within 15 days, a water official said on Wednesday, as the country faces a deepening water crisis.
Archived version: archive.is/20251106224519/iran…
Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.
NATO Overtakes Russia in Ammunition Production: ‘We Are Turning the Tide,’ Rutte Says
NATO has now overtaken Russia in ammunition production, Secretary General Mark Rutte said, warning that Moscow will remain a long-term threat.
Archived version: archive.is/newest/kyivpost.com…
Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.
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US | Trump Officials Accused of Bullying Tactics to Kill a Climate Measure
Nations were poised to approve the first fee on pollution from ships. That’s when the Trump administration began the threats.
Archived version: archive.is/20251106203542/nyti…
Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.
New York’s Billionaires Are Bending the Knee to Zohran Mamdani
After fighting his candidacy to the bitter end, New York City billionaires are already offering to help incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Archived version: archive.is/20251106225933/thei…
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Survey Shows Large Majority of Grassroots Democrats Back Primary Challenges for Schumer and Jeffries
Democrats face backlash from progressive voters as survey shows overwhelming support for primary challenges against party leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.
Survey Shows Large Majority of Grassroots Democrats Back Primary Challenges for Schumer and Jeffries
"The grassroots are demanding change," said Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution.brad-reed (Common Dreams)
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US | 'As Ugly and Cruel As It Gets': Trump Fights Order to Fully Fund November SNAP Benefits
As the government shutdown continues, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release full funding for 42 million Americans' November SNAP benefits. The DOJ swiftly appealed.
Case file: storage.courtlistener.com/reca…
'As Ugly and Cruel As It Gets': Trump Fights Order to Fully Fund November SNAP Benefits
"Families have already suffered enough, going nearly a week without SNAP," said one campaigner. "They don't deserve all of this whiplash from Republicans over the food they need to survive."jessica-corbett (Common Dreams)
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Gaza organ theft: even in death, Palestinians are not free from occupation
Human rights organisations call for an inquiry into Gaza organ theft as doctors find signs of missing organs in returned bodies.
Archived version: archive.is/newest/thecanary.co…
Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.
Government Shutdown blocks vote to release Jeffrey Epstain's files
The government shutdown is delaying proceedings in Congress’ investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, affecting a measure to require the release of files in the possession of the federal government and holding up testimony from key figures.
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Mastodon 4.5
Mastodon 4.5
Quote posts, the end of missing replies, new tools for admins and better emojis. All of these and more, in our latest release.Mastodon Blog
Mastodon 4.5
Mastodon 4.5
Quote posts, the end of missing replies, new tools for admins and better emojis. All of these and more, in our latest release.Mastodon Blog
Amazon is testing an AI tool that automatically translates books into other languages
Amazon is introducing an AI tool that will automatically translate books into other languages. This should be useful for authors who self publish.
Senate GOP Kills Bill That Would Block Trump Boat Bombings and War on Venezuela
"Shame on the Republicans who continue to shirk their duty and deny their constituents a voice," said one retired US Army general.
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US 'shadow president' Stephen Miller threatens New York after Muslim socialist wins mayoral election
Stephen Miller melts down as Muslim immigrant Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayor — hinting at deportations for defying Trump’s agenda
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US federal judge orders officials to improve conditions for immigration detainees in Illinois facility
A US federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide better conditions for detainees in an Chicago immigration facility.
Case file: storage.courtlistener.com/reca…
US federal judge orders officials to improve conditions for immigration detainees in Illinois facility
A US federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide better conditions for detainees in an Chicago immigration facility. Judge Robert Gettleman of the District...Morgan Polen | U. Pittsburgh School of Law, US (- JURIST - News)
US Supreme Court grants stay that restricts gender expression on passports
The US Supreme Court on Thursday allowed a policy to move forward that prevents nonbinary and transgender people from having gender markers on their passports that align with their chosen identity.
Case file: supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pd…
US Supreme Court grants stay that restricts gender expression on passports
The US Supreme Court on Thursday allowed a policy to move forward that prevents nonbinary and transgender people from having gender markers on their passports that align with their chosen identity. In...Paige Miller | U. Arizona College of Law, US (- JURIST - News)
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How do I torrent safely in the US if I can't afford a VPN?
Before I say anything further, yes I know how much the recommended VPNs cost. I can read. Please do not interrogate me about it.
I've been wanting to get into torrenting for a while, particularly contributing to private trackers related to music (and to a lesser extent retro games, though I don't have much original stuff to put there as it's harder to find rare games than rare music). FMHY recommends RiseUp if I must get a free VPN while I'm working on my financial situation, though I'm not sure whether it's been tested in court. What are my options, if any?
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Boeing Confirms Diverse Lineup For 2025 Dubai Airshow With 777X Flying Display
The US manufacturer is back on the airshow circuit after a couple of notable absences in recent years.
Boeing Confirms Diverse Lineup For 2025 Dubai Airshow With 777X Flying Display
Boeing will showcase a diverse lineup of military and commercial aircraft, including a 777X flying display.Jake Hardiman (Simple Flying)
Palm Beach Airport (PBI) Could Be Renamed After Donald Trump
A Florida lawmaker has proposed naming Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump. Will this pass?
US Judge Dismisses Felony Case Against Boeing Related To 2 Fatal 737 MAX Crashes
Judge drops felony charges against Boeing, sparking outrage and disbelief.
hydrashok
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •like this
adhocfungus e dhhyfddehhfyy4673 like this.
seathru
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Use someone else's wifi.
I used to park my car in a Home Depot parking lot when I went to work with a laptop torrenting until the battery died.
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RoabeArt [he/him]
in reply to seathru • • •I used to do that at the Burger King that was next to my old house. I'd prop my laptop up by the window the faced the restaurant and start downloading.
Then at some point they added something to the WiFi that, after you've been connected for like 30 minutes, disconnects you. You wouldn't be banned or anything, it would just cut the connection until you go back to the captive portal and click "I Agree" again.
I feel like a lot of public WiFis these days have data caps and throttling to circumvent downloading.
comrade_twisty
in reply to seathru • • •whoever loves Digit
in reply to seathru • • •HelloRoot
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Go to the small local library, they usually have free wifi, sometimes without registration and if you're lucky they don't filter any traffic.
There is also a map of open wifi hotspots online which work without registration also, but I'm too lazy to dig out the link.
Ask online for somebody to share their VPN. Many subscriptions explicitly allow inviting friends and family and allow multiple simultaneous connections.
don't like this
adhocfungus doesn't like this.
Eyedust
in reply to HelloRoot • • •Local library worker here. Can confirm we don't track connections, we only tally how many use our wifi if we can figure it out. Basically the tally just includes whoever brings out their phone in the library.
Just be aware that the state can supply your library with free internet, and I'm not sure how that's set up. I personally don't like connecting to random open wifi, official or no.
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hietsu
in reply to Eyedust • • •maxprime
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •like this
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i_stole_ur_taco
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •There’s a few free vpn providers out there. You could do a little homework and see if they are a good option. I tend to mistrust free services like that (if I’m not paying, who is, and what are they paying for?), but if you’re in a pinch it’s something to research.
Another option is to look for deals. Sometimes VPN providers will have a super sale a few times a year. I think once I got a NordVPN subscription for THREE YEARS for like $60. It’s more expensive than a single month of anything, yes, but if you can afford a onetime expense it’s nice not to have to worry about a recurring monthly cost.
Your other option is to not use torrents. Usenet is still the grand daddy of file sharing and is pretty much anonymous. Most Usenet hosts are paid, but back in the day even ISPs ran their own servers. It could be worth looking and seeing if there’s any free or low cost providers there.
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liliumstar
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •You can get into private trackers and trust them. Not recommended, but some do.
Generally speaking, the copyright trolls only target public trackers and DHT. There have been some instances of them making way into TL and others. Your ISP could also identify torrenting on private trackers if they wanted to, even with mitigations. In my experience and from what I hear, most ISPs do not go to these lengths.
So, there a risk doing the above. Whether or not it's worth it until you can afford a decent VPN is up to you.
Aside: Please do not use a free VPN for torrenting (or tor, for that matter). They are either like RiseUp and run on donations for people who really, really need them, or Proton which is commercial and specifically try to block or slow down the traffic. Either way, if ruins it for everyone else.
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LisaTrevor [she/her, they/them]
in reply to liliumstar • • •coyotino [he/him]
in reply to liliumstar • • •How does it ruin it for everyone else? One slow peer does not ruin the network.
liliumstar
in reply to coyotino [he/him] • • •dumfuq
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •HumanPerson
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to HumanPerson • • •HumanPerson
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •sp3ctr4l
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Ok so, I was gonna top level comment, but somebody already mentioned I2P, so:
I2P.
geti2p.net/en/docs/application…
Now, with normally configured I2P, you can only torrent or file share with other I2P users/nodes/sites.
But, you can also set up an 'out-proxy', to connect to the broader 'net, via I2P, essentially using it as a giant, dynamic maze of proxies, where all your traffic is arguably better encrypted than via Tor.
Or, you could actually use Tor as the out-proxy, for... ludicrous levels of encryption maze.
geti2p.net/en/about/browser-co…
Its slow though. Much slower than all but the most dogshit free vpns.
But... that's the tier you already appear to be at, lol.
Uh yeah, you can use I2P to access/browse and torrent from the clearnet, not just the I2P net, you just have to properly set up I2P with an out proxy.
I believe the youtuber Mental Outlaw has some videos that walk you through both how to do an I2P basic set up, and an out-proxy set up.
Also, general privacy/security tip:
configure your webbrowser to only do DNS over HTTPS, also known as DoH.
Use Ublock, Canvas Blocker, Privacy Badger, test your web fingerprint with EFF's tool, make sure all your shit is actually configured right before torrenting anything, use sites that try to trace route you and find your real ip, make sure you don't have any... emergency fallback to not using your VPN or I2P or normal HTTP.
Bittorrent over I2P - I2P
geti2p.netScratchySoft
in reply to sp3ctr4l • • •mistermodal
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •bss03
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •frongt
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •_cryptagion [he/him]
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •like this
dhhyfddehhfyy4673 likes this.
whoever loves Digit
in reply to _cryptagion [he/him] • • •_cryptagion [he/him]
in reply to whoever loves Digit • • •hey hows about you go fuck yourself
whoever loves Digit
in reply to _cryptagion [he/him] • • •_cryptagion [he/him]
in reply to whoever loves Digit • • •technocrit
in reply to whoever loves Digit • • •plateee
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •hexagonwin
in reply to plateee • • •metaStatic likes this.
plateee
in reply to hexagonwin • • •There's a few - but typically the free ones have limits on the number of downloads per day.
Nzbfinder and bin search used to be okay.
ScratchySoft
in reply to plateee • • •cooper8
in reply to plateee • • •plateee
in reply to cooper8 • • •PastafARRian
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Without passing any moral judgement on you whatsoever, if you posted this without a VPN, your post is permanently tied to your IP address and thus your home and is evidence of your intent to commit a crime, even if you said it's "for research". I wouldn't do that again and now I'm worried for you in general if you weren't worried to post this.
Generally nobody can afford to lose their privacy. It's $1/device/month per person if you get 5 other people to share a Mullvad account and you shouldn't do it because you're trying to pirate. A VPN is not a tool for piracy. You should be conducting all internet activity in it unless you do not care about the government seeing it.
ScratchySoft
in reply to PastafARRian • • •hietsu
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to hietsu • • •hietsu
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •But now thinking about it, if I were ever to get myself in a bind where I can’t afford something just a few bucks a month, I don’t think any off-time would be on my list at all.
Uriel238 [all pronouns]
in reply to PastafARRian • • •PastafARRian
in reply to Uriel238 [all pronouns] • • •danisth [he/him]
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •mustlane
in reply to danisth [he/him] • • •Uhmm, I know that it might come off as begging, but may I also have an invite? I've been using RuTracker for 5 years at this point, but some stuff is just isn't there.
Thanks in advance!
Ilandar
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •like this
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ScratchySoft
in reply to Ilandar • • •J-Bone
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •An alternative that hasn't been presented yet.
Why not use less well known foreign public trackers? Rutracker has a stupid amount of content, including a lot of niche music content.
If you are worried about Rutracker being too well known, you can try Mazepa Torrent. This is only relevant for movies and shows. Their collection isn't as good as rutracker, but they have most new releases. While the default audio language is Ukrainian, English is always included (this would an issue for non-English language movies/shows, but English subtitles are usually included).
BlueÆther
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Move down under to New Zealand - although we do have a 3 strikes law, the clament has to pay all fees upfront to thr ISP and get a court order first...
We mostly raw dog it down here
incompetent
in reply to BlueÆther • • •Jessica
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •janNatan
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •I scrolled through the comments and didn't see anybody mention this... You know at least one VPN has a free tier, right? I tried proton's free tier and liked it so much I became a customer. I know posts from their CEO have recently became controversial around here, but it's hard to argue with free.
protonvpn.com/pricing
Pricing
Protonwhoever loves Digit
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •/home/pineapplelover
in reply to whoever loves Digit • • •TigerAce
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to TigerAce • • •TigerAce
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •I believe there are free VPN services. Maybe Proton has a free version? I know they offer a basic free version for Vivaldi browser. Just make sure they provider doesn't log traffic.
Now is black Friday, some VPN services are 75% off, that may be an option if you have at least something to spare. Sure, it's money, but a fine for illegal downloading costs much more.
Otherwise public wifi spots but speeds are probably shit.
Another option is installing Tails on a bootsble USB stick and connect through tor. But then speeds are also shit.
ScratchySoft
in reply to TigerAce • • •rozodru
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •I mean you can avoid all that. If you're just interested in music and retro games then just use soulseek and use the rom megathread. both of which are going to be either peer to peer or direct downloads. no torrenting.
Rom megathread (web search it) has quite literally everything. no need to search, no need to torrent, it's all right there. And soulseek with Nicotine+ just works like napster. sign up, be sure to share your music library, and then have at it.
ScratchySoft
in reply to rozodru • • •rozodru
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •right so you just keep your music folder open so people can do just that. More audiophiles are going to be on soulseek than some random torrent tracker.
I don't understand why you insist on torrenting when you can't safely do so. You're going to get way more traction sharing your rare stuff on soulseek than you will torrenting it I can guarantee that.
ScratchySoft
in reply to rozodru • • •CmdrShepard49
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to CmdrShepard49 • • •CmdrShepard49
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Cevilia (she/they/…)
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •I would suggest don't.
For downloading, look at DDL sites.
For uploading, if you can't do it safely, don't. Stash it all, make backups, keep it until you can do it safely.
kugmo
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •See if Tribler works or fuck it and download anyway.
Just do it.
XNX
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to XNX • • •yardratianSoma
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Kissaki
in reply to yardratianSoma • • •yardratianSoma
in reply to Kissaki • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to yardratianSoma • • •J-Bone
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to J-Bone • • •stupid_asshole69 [none/use name]
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •I been using torrents since they became a good option a little over twenty years ago. I’ve torrented using public and all manner of private trackers both with and without vpn or tor.
I have received letters from various ISPs during those years. Here’s what it all boils down to:
What’s most important: turn off peer exchange and dht, turn on require encryption.
What’s also important: only use private trackers.
What’s less important, but good to have: use a vpn with port forwarding with your client bound to its interface. It doesn’t matter if you don’t bind the client to the vpn interface so make sure you do that.
E: just read through the comments on your native instance that don’t show up to me normally. There’s some old misinformation going around still. I’m not gonna argue or go into great detail but things like only leeching, only using foreign trackers or using someone else’s WiFi don’t do anything to help you avoid some kind of letter.
ScratchySoft
in reply to stupid_asshole69 [none/use name] • • •stupid_asshole69 [none/use name]
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Go test into one of the music trackers. It’s easy if you can follow instructions and retain information. If you end up feeling like the social expectations of a private tracker are tripping you up then spend a little time on the mya tracker to get used to it first.
If you’re making your own rips then being exposed to the information, toolsets and expectations of the private trackers will improve the quality of your output.
ScratchySoft
in reply to stupid_asshole69 [none/use name] • • •Edit: MyAnonymouse, right?
stupid_asshole69 [none/use name]
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •frongt
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •CaptainBlinky
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ScratchySoft
in reply to CaptainBlinky • • •coyotino [he/him]
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Doesn't Proton have a free VPN tier? I think it doesn't support port forwarding so your connections would be limited, but that might still work?
Otherwise, check the megathread and go with direct downloads. Those happen over https so completely encrypted.
ScratchySoft
in reply to coyotino [he/him] • • •coyotino [he/him]
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Hmm I'm not sure about contributing. You've presented yourself as someone too broke to afford a VPN so I didn't think you were buying CDs and ripping flacs. Sorry if I misunderstood your goals. I was more focused on the goal of obtaining files.
Edit: ps, not sure if you saw yet, but I pm'd you about another possible solution.
ScratchySoft
in reply to coyotino [he/him] • • •Seefra 1
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •I don't usually recommend this, but since you are in a situation where you really can't afford a VPN or a seedbox and live in a country where torrenting is prosecuted then I think that grants a free pass to abuse the tor network a bit and torrent over tor.
There are some guides online on now to route the traffic, note that it's very easy to leak traffic if you don't know what you're doing. Look for a good guide
. I'm guessing the safest way to do it is by using Whonix.
If going that route avoid downloading big torrents if you can find smaller ones or try to search for direct downloads first.
And also, I don't usually say this, but, avoid seeding. Yes leeching is bad, but saturating tor is probably worse I think.
sobchak
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Tribler or i2p.
Edit: there are also non-bittorrent p2p networks out there like Retroshare, but I haven't used them, so don't know how useful they are.
ScratchySoft
in reply to sobchak • • •sobchak
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •ErrorCode550511
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •cassandrafatigue
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •lIlIllIlIIIllIlIlII
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •nullptr
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Rivalarrival
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Rabbit
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Mullvad is €5 a month for total of €60 for a year.
Save up then torrent. If you live in the US you risk way more in fines than what €60 for a year of VPN would cost.
brainwashed
in reply to Rabbit • • •horse
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Scrollone
in reply to ScratchySoft • • •Honest question, why would you need a VPN if you want to download from private trackers?
Usually, copyright owners target people on public trackers and on the DHT. Not a problem if you only get into private trackers.