Only download from reputable sites with active communities. Look for files with a high number of "seeders" (users sharing the complete file) and read the comment section for warnings about malware or poor quality.
If you are looking to learn about the mechanics and safety of using torrent files, Understanding Torrent Files Download File 333nn.torrent
A .torrent file is not the actual content you want to download. Instead, it is a small metadata file that contains "information" about the data to be shared, including the names of the files and the "tracker" (a server that helps people find each other to share data). Only download from reputable sites with active communities
Never open a file downloaded via torrent without scanning it with updated antivirus software. Avoid .exe , .bat , or .msi files unless you are 100% certain of their origin. Legal Considerations Instead, it is a small metadata file that
To prevent accidental exposure, you can "bind" your VPN to your torrent client (like qBittorrent). This ensures the client only downloads when the VPN is active.
Many modern sites use magnet links instead of downloadable .torrent files to simplify the process and reduce server load. Safety and Security Best Practices