No more an easy way out

Torrent websites like BitTorrent, Kickass Torrents (KAT.ph) and Torrentz were shut down recently. The websites, that allowed one to download contents like music, movies, TV series and much more, finally came to the notice of the government and they put an end to these. However, these websites were a source of entertainment for many youngsters who could access them illegally for a variety of content.

Vivek G, a student, was using these websites for almost eight to nine years and he is disappointed that the sites no longer exist. He says, “I often downloaded music discographies of different artistes, movies, TV series, ebooks, software and tutorials. I was miserable on hearing the news that the sites are no more because it was easy for people like me to find what I was looking for without having to pay. It was also a portal that allowed one to learn new things which aren’t easily accessible otherwise. ‘Torrentz’ was the search engine to find anything that you wanted.” 

Murvin, another student, was also a regular user of these websites. He often downloaded movies, new episodes of series and computer games. He says, “I am actually disappointed as I have been a regular to these websites. It’s so difficult to find movies that I want to watch, which have a decent print. There were websites that were specifically tailored for torrents that are no more now.” However, he understands why this was a good move for the actual producers. “I understand why they had to shut down websites that provided the content illegally. Obviously, the producers and makers spent a lot of money on their work and it is unfair to them that they lose money because of the free digital copies. But it’s not practical for people like me to afford everything to watch. Maybe, a small change in the rule would be helpful,” he says.

As for Fredrick, a professional, he doesn’t seem to be worried with the latest news. He says, “It’s not too bad that the websites are shut down and I am not doing anything about it either. The series that I follow are on break, so I don’t have much to run around for. I’ll cross the bridge when I come to it.” Until then, many users like him are taking the aid of television or other websites that allow them to access the content that they want.