Need Input on Direct Downloads, IDM & VPN
I have read everything I could in the community and just want to make sure I'm clear on a few things and also have a question or two.
Do I understand correctly from the ISP Complaints section that Direct Downloads should not result in a DMCA or problems with your ISP?
Also, if I'm using IDM (Desktop Client & Browser Add-In) with Express VPN to download from streaming sites like KimCartoon, 9anime or a regular site like Internet Archive will the VPN block my ISP from seeing the webpage I'm viewing and the downloads I'm getting with IDM or it's "clip grabber"?
Finally, do I need to set my VPN to a site outside of the 14 eyes countries for safety when downloading in case of a data leak?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated as I've already download quite a bit from Internet Archive without a VPN and am a bit worried. Thanks so much & Great Job to all who put so much work into this site!
Yep. Though your ISP doesn't care anyway
Your ISP can only see which domain you're viewing (i.e. Internet Archive) but not which specific page. Since streaming sites like the ones you mentioned aren't P2P though, you'll be fine
People will tell you yes but honestly, while it certainly doesn't hurt, it also doesn't matter. Either your VPN keeps logs and happily hands them out (which, from what I remember, Express VPN doesn't) or there's no logs anyway and you can just choose the closest location.
Thanks for the detailed response! So, does a VPN do anything to protect you in relation to IDM Direct Downloading/Clip Grabbing Pirate streams or is it just a good idea to have one for anonymity? I'm trying to justify the cost.