Torrent trackers start banning Windows 10 users Torrent trackers start banning Windows 10 users

One torrent tracking website (iTS) has started banning the users whose PCs are powered by Windows 10, while some of the other similar services are considering doing the same thing. From what I've understood, there's a feeling of general panic about Microsoft's anti-piracy measures and this is just a preemptive reaction. According to TorrentFreak, other important trackers like BB or FSC are strongly considering banning Windows 10 users. Describing Microsoft's latest operating system, someone from BB's staff wrote: "What’s particularly nasty is that apparently it sends the results of local searches to a well known anti piracy company directly so as soon as you have one known p2p or scene release on your local disk … BAM!"

However, in many people's opinions these reactions are exaggerated and aren't based on any actual evidence. Yes, Microsoft's End User License Agreement does say that Windows 10 will be scanning for pirated games, but it's far more likely that this is just true for the games that actually interest them: the ones from Xbox Live. So having pirated games on your PC's Windows 10 Xbox Live account may get you banned from the service just as it does on consoles. And secondly, it's very true that Microsoft sends some of the data it collects from your PC to MarkMonitor, but that has been happening for a long while as a means of enhancing the anti-phishing protection and not to check if your files are pirated.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that the torrent trackers are completely wrong, I'm just saying that they're acting without actually having any tangible evidence. However, since most of those trackers aren't totally legal, being a bit paranoid might actually be for the best.

Author's other posts

How to make your Mac kid-friendly?
Article
How to make your Mac kid-friendly?
A few tips on how to ensure your kids' safety while they're using Macs as well as on how to keep the machine safe from your children.
Samsung's next Galaxy phone is already up for reservations
News
Samsung's next Galaxy phone is already up for reservations
Even though Samsung hasn't announced the price of the upcoming Galaxy phone or its technical specifications, we can already make reservations and be among the first to receive it.
Find out which Android phones will be able to run Fortnite
News
Find out which Android phones will be able to run Fortnite
Curious to see if you'll be able to play the Android version of Fortnite on your phone? Here's the complete list of supported devices.
Mac security tricks
Article
Mac security tricks
If you don't have a lot of experience in using your Mac, here are a few tips that could keep your machine safe from various threats.