It acts as a "shopping list" or index, containing file names, folder structures, and cryptographic hashes for data verification.
The client downloads small "pieces" of the final file from multiple sources simultaneously.
While the BitTorrent protocol itself is safe, the files inside a torrent can contain viruses. Always scan downloaded content with updated antivirus software.
When you "download" or open this file in a client like qBittorrent or BitTorrent :
In a P2P swarm, your IP address is visible to other participants. Security experts recommend using a VPN for torrenting to mask your identity.