For the uninitiated, Magnet links effectively decentralize torrent downloads. Magnet links can be created by anyone having the file in question, do not require a central host to store the link and do not require a server to track data transfers between clients. Pirate Bay made the switch wholesale some time ago, in part because they were raided simply for having the .torrent links on their servers and wanted to avoid that issue.

Magnet links however do not mean downloading torrents are safer than before. IP addresses can still be seen in download clients, and unscrupulous corporations such as the RIAA and MPAA will use that information to prosecute. Many sites now recommend using a specialized proxy for downloads to mask the IP. That alone should be enough to recommend using sites like Zippyshare when possible.