Torrenting, a form of peer-to-peer file sharing, allows users to download and share large files, including movies, using a decentralized network. This method of file sharing has been around for decades, but its popularity surged in the mid-2000s, with the rise of platforms like The Pirate Bay and RapidShare.
For perspective, a 2010 report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) found that Avatar was the most pirated movie of 2009, with over 40 million illegal downloads worldwide. While not all of these downloads were via torrent, it's clear that the platform played a significant role in the film's piracy.
However, torrenting remains a popular phenomenon, with many users continuing to rely on the platform to access copyrighted content. As the film industry adapts to changing consumer habits, it's likely that we'll see a continued shift towards streaming and other legitimate means of accessing movies.