YTS has become one of the most popular names in the world of torrenting. Known for its high-quality movie torrents and small file sizes, yts is used by millions of users around the world. But a common question that users keep asking, especially in 2025, is: “Is YTS legal?”
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the legality of YTS in 2025, understand the risks involved, and explain how to use torrent platforms safely. If you’re unsure whether you should use YTS or not, this article will help you make an informed decision.
What Is YTS and Why Is It So Popular?
YTS, also known as YIFY Torrents, is a torrent site that offers a massive collection of movies for free download. It is especially known for compressing HD movies into small file sizes without reducing video quality. This makes YTS a favorite among users with limited internet bandwidth.
Some main features of YTS include:
- HD quality movies (720p, 1080p, 4K)
- Subtitles in multiple languages
- User-friendly interface
- Regular updates and new releases
But with all these features, the question of legality still remains.
Is YTS Legal in 2025?
The short answer is: No, YTS is not legal.
YTS distributes copyrighted content without permission from the copyright holders. Downloading or sharing such content is considered copyright infringement, which is illegal in many countries.
In 2025, copyright laws across the world have become even stricter. Governments and copyright agencies are taking stronger action against piracy and those who support it — including users.
Countries Where YTS Is Blocked
Many countries have completely banned or blocked access to YTS. These include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Australia
- Germany
- France
In these regions, ISPs (Internet Service Providers) block access to torrent sites like YTS, and users who try to bypass the block may face warnings, fines, or legal actions.
What Happens If You Use YTS?
If you download movies from YTS, especially in countries with strict anti-piracy laws, you may face:
- Legal notices from your ISP or copyright agencies
- Fines or penalties for downloading copyrighted material
- Slow internet speeds (ISP throttling)
- Data leaks or exposure of your online activity
Even if you’re just a casual user, you’re still breaking the law. In 2025, there are digital monitoring systems that track illegal downloads more actively than ever.
YTS Lawsuit History: Why It Matters
In recent years, YTS has faced several lawsuits. The original YIFY group was shut down in 2015 after a lawsuit by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America). Since then, the YTS name has been used by different torrent groups.
One major concern is that some YTS websites have reportedly cooperated with copyright authorities by logging user data. This means your download history might be exposed if you used these versions of the site.
Always remember: Even though YTS looks like a regular website, it operates in a legal grey area.
Is It Safe to Use YTS in 2025?
When we talk about safety, there are two things to consider:
1. Legal Safety:
As discussed above, using YTS is legally risky. If caught, you may receive warning letters or face penalties.
2. Cybersecurity Risks:
YTS is not just legally unsafe — it can also be dangerous in terms of cybersecurity:
- Fake YTS websites may contain viruses or malware.
- Torrents may include trojans or spyware.
- Without a VPN, your IP address is fully visible to trackers.
Even if you avoid legal trouble, your device and privacy are still at risk.
How to Use YTS Safely (If You Still Want To)
While we don’t recommend using YTS due to its legal risks, some users still choose to access it. If you’re one of them, here are some safety tips:
1. Use a Reliable VPN:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your IP address and encrypts your data. This protects you from legal tracking and keeps your identity private.
2. Avoid Fake YTS Sites:
There are many fake YTS clones that can harm your device. Always check the URL carefully and avoid suspicious links.
3. Use Antivirus Software:
Make sure you have strong antivirus protection before downloading any torrents. It can detect malware or harmful files.
4. Don’t Seed Files:
If you don’t upload/share the files (known as seeding), you reduce the risk of legal action — but not completely.
Legal Alternatives to YTS in 2025
Instead of risking your privacy and security, consider using legal streaming platforms. Some popular options in 2025 include:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- Hulu
- Tubi TV (Free)
- YouTube Movies (Rent or buy)
Many of these platforms offer affordable subscriptions or even free content legally.
How Do Authorities Track Torrent Users?
In 2025, governments and copyright protection groups use automated systems to monitor P2P (peer-to-peer) traffic.
Here’s how it works:
- Every torrent file has a tracker that shows which users are downloading it.
- Copyright agencies join these trackers and record IP addresses.
- ISPs can then identify the user behind the IP and send a legal warning.
This is why it’s very risky to use torrent platforms like YTS without protection.
Can You Be Fined for Downloading from YTS?
Yes, and it has already happened in many countries.
In countries like Germany, the US, and the UK, users have received fines ranging from $100 to $1000+ per copyrighted movie download.
Repeat offenders may even face court cases and higher penalties.
Why Is YTS Still Online in 2025?
Despite all the legal issues, YTS keeps coming back with new domains. This is because:
- It’s hosted on offshore servers.
- It keeps changing its domain name to avoid shutdowns.
- It operates in countries with weaker piracy laws.
But just because it’s accessible doesn’t mean it’s legal or safe.
About YTS Legality and Usage
Q1: Is it illegal to just visit YTS?
Answer: Visiting the site isn’t illegal, but downloading copyrighted content from it is.
Q2: What happens if I get caught downloading from YTS?
Answer: You may get a legal notice, fine, or even face a lawsuit, depending on your country.
Q3: Are all YTS websites safe?
Answer: No. Many fake YTS sites exist that contain malware or spyware.
Q4: Can I use YTS with a VPN?
Answer: A VPN can help protect your identity, but it does not make illegal downloading legal.
Q5: What’s the best legal alternative to YTS?
Answer: Free options like Tubi TV or Pluto TV are great, and affordable services like Netflix or Amazon Prime offer quality, legal streaming.