is internet download manager legal by law?

[JonR]

IDM itself is perfectly legal, however downloading pirated material with it is not.

So what are your chances of being caught? It depends. Here's a few scenarios.

- If you download a few pirated movies/programs/games/whatever per month: Slim, you're small time and it's generally not worth it for anyone to pursue legal action against you (the days of the RMAA attacking people for downloading a few songs are over).
- If you download a LOT of pirated material per month: Moderate, depending on your ISP. Though you'll generally get a warning letter before any legal action is taken. The chance is also higher if you congest the network with all your downloading, or continue downloading after getting a warning (wait about 6 months).
- If you redistribute your pirated material: High, as these are the people they really want to nab.
- If you brag about having pirated material in social media (or anywhere where your real name is attached to the post): High, as you just provided proof that you pirate. You'll also be banned.
- If you brag about it anonymously: None, though the site you post on might ban you.