How to Browse Anonymously on UTorrent

Because BitTorrent clients such as uTorrent are frequently used to distribute copyright-protected content illegally, BitTorrent has a negative stigma that is difficult to avoid. In spite of the many legal and worthwhile uses of BitTorrent, some Internet Service Providers may throttle BitTorrent speeds. Some networks -- at universities, for example -- may not allow BitTorrent usage at all. To protect your privacy, use uTorrent anonymously by enabling the program's built-in data encryption.

Instructions

1. Click the "Options" menu at the top of the uTorrent window. Then click "Preferences." You can also press Ctrl+P to open this window.

2. Click the "BitTorrent" heading on the left side of the Preferences window.

3. Click the drop-down menu under "Protocol Encryption" and then click "Forced." This encrypts all outgoing data sent by your computer through uTorrent, preventing monitoring.

4. Click to remove the check from the "Allow incoming legacy connections" box. This configures your computer to receive data in uTorrent only from users who enable data encryption.

5. Click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• To enhance your privacy when using uTorrent, subscribe to a Virtual Private Network that allows BitTorrent traffic. Because BitTorrent usage generates a significant amount of Internet traffic, these services are rarely free. However, while you're connected to a VPN, all of the data that your computer receives and sends online -- through uTorrent and all other applications -- is encrypted and cannot be monitored.

• Forcing encrypted connections in uTorrent may reduce the number of peers that you connect to, slowing your download speeds.

References

• uTorrent: Connection Setup
• FileSharer.info; How to Use BitTorrent Anonymously; May 2009