How do you deal with a guest torrenting on the internet network?

[James151]

I just read an email from my Internet Service Provider advising me they received notice from owners of a copyright that their work had been transmitted on my network without permission.

I assume this means the TV show noted in the details was torrented. I do not torrent, but I had a guest staying with me on the date of the violation. So it's clear to me that my guest was torrenting, and this is a liability issue for me.

Has anyone had a similar experience? How did you deal with it? After looking online, I couldn't find any solutions that didn't involve taking away my guest's access to the network, but I don't feel like that's an option. Any solutions? Thanks for reading.

[Sandra126]

I did read an earlier post where a host got a hefty fine from illegal downloads, took it through the resolution centre. Not sure of the outcome in the end.

[David-and-Fiona0]

This has been experienced by other hosts and in some cases has become quite a problem. Some hosts have reported thousands of dollars in fines. Its best if you can find a local IT geek who can modify your router to inhibit access to torrent sites etc.

Good luck

David

[Andrew90 · Accepted solution]

The easy way to block casual use is to configure router to use openDNS https://www.opendns.com/

This however is easily circumvented and most people torrenting will know how. To really protect you need a router with a more sophisticated firewall and ability to block ports. One of the best solutions is to buy a ddWRT router you can buy some now pre installed. Like this. https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-AirStation-Source-Wireless-WHR-300HP2D/dp/B00IB8IVDQ

You probably will need someone to help you configure but here are some details of you want to try. http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=619982

The above won't block encrypted clients torrenting but your ISP won't be able to tell either!

[Andrew90]

The other option is to encrypt all traffic at the router level, won't stop torrenting but will stop ISP from snooping.

https://tomssl.com/2015/06/01/install-vyprvpn-on-your-dd-wrt-router-to-encrypt-all-of-your-internet-...

[Jude7]

I'm always learning new things on this forum - many about situations I would never have imagined, but am now aware of.

So for the sake of others who may be wondering, but think it's a question too dumb to ask - what is torrenting and how does a guest do it?

Jude

[Andrea9]

@Jude7

found through Google -

https://www.ivacy.com/blog/what-is-torrenting-how-do-i-do-it/

http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/peersharing/a/torrenthandbook.htm

[Jude7]

@Andrea9 - Thanks! It was around midnight when I read that post and didn't have the bandwidth 😉 to do a google search. 

I read the  the links you posted, and they were very informative. So torrenting is kinda like the defunct Napster on speed? 

One more thing to add to our rules prehaps? NO TORRENTING.

You learn something new every day! I've received answers from this forum to questions I wouldn't have ever known to ask!

Jude

[Andrea9]

@Jude7

Sounds like it, though have no experience with Napster myself this side of the Atlantic.

I tell you, it seems the rules get longer all the time! Here's another one to think about: Pokemon Go - wouldn't want anybody to fall out the window or other stupidity to happen while monster chasing LOL!

[Jude7]

Pokemon Go I know about - but only because I have some younger people in my life!

And Napster was shut down a number of years ago, after they lost a big lawsuit about copyright infringement. 

Perhaps a thread about some of the crazier things people have had to put in their house rules would be in order!

Jude

[Linda108]

Hi Jude, How about we suggest Air BNB with all their tech advances help the hosts with these kind of issues.  I never heard of "torrenting" before.   Geez...one more thing to make me feel old and marginalized:(

[Jude7]

I'm learning quite a lot about quite a lot of things as a result of Airbnb, @Linda108! 

Old and marginalized....... I'd rather think of myself as wise and discriminating. 🙂

[Mike77]

Margarine-ized... that's me.

🙂

Mike
AirBnB Treehouse for Rent
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7292887

[Kathy196]

The same thing just happened to me.

I just received a Notice of Action under Digital Millennium Copyright Act from Comcast. 

Checked the date, found out it happened while one guest from Sweden stayed. He now had left.

Should I repoort to AirBNB about this guest? or add in the houserules?     

I am quite worried now. 

[Jayson1]

Hey Kathy,

I also received this type of notice. Any update on your situation?

Blessings,

Jayson