Look for "VIP" or "Trusted" user icons (the green and pink skulls on traditional TPB layouts) which signify that the uploader has a history of distributing clean, verified files. The Legal Landscape of P2P Sharing
Use a proxy only if you cannot afford a VPN. If you use a proxy, ensure you force HTTPS (look for the padlock). Swedish ISPs have been known to inject JavaScript warnings into HTTP proxies. pirates bay proxy se
The classic “Pirates Bay proxy SE” will likely persist, but the form may change. Some experts predict a move toward completely decentralized torrent indexes, making traditional proxies obsolete. Look for "VIP" or "Trusted" user icons (the