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T411

T411 was a semi-private BitTorrent tracker and torrent index site that served mainly French-speaking users.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

T411 was a semi-private BitTorrent tracker and torrent index site that served mainly French-speaking users. Created in the 2000s, it became one of the best-known file-sharing sites in the francophone internet before being shut down by police in 2017 and later becoming the subject of major civil and criminal proceedings in France.

History

T411 began as a French-language torrent community associated with Canada, later becoming a major destination for francophone file sharing. Reports disagree on whether it was founded in 2006 or 2008, but it grew into one of the most visited torrent sites in France before its closure.

Operation

The site functioned as a semi-private BitTorrent tracker, meaning users relied on tracker links and peer-to-peer software to exchange files. Media coverage describes it as a torrent index or directory used for films, music, games and other copyrighted works.

Closure

French and Swedish police shut down T411 in June 2017, and servers hosted in Sweden were seized. The takedown was reported as a joint international operation.

French courts later pursued criminal and civil cases linked to T411. In 2023, the Rennes court imposed prison terms and ordered very large damages payments to rights holders.

Key facts

  • T411 operated as a semi-private BitTorrent tracker and torrent index for francophone users.
  • Sources give its founding year as either 2006 or 2008, and it originated in Canada/Quebec.
  • The site was shut down in June 2017 during a joint French-Swedish police operation.
  • In 2023, a French court awarded damages of roughly €489–€625 million and imposed criminal sentences.
  • The site's operators and proceedings were linked to Canada, France and Sweden.
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Canadian context

T411 is linked to Canada because several sources describe its origin as Canadian or Quebec-based, and its naming reportedly referenced Canada’s 411 directory information service.

Frequently asked questions

What was T411?
T411 was a semi-private BitTorrent tracker and torrent index site used mainly by French-speaking users.
Was T411 legal?
No. Contemporary reports and French authorities described it as an illegal download site for copyrighted works.
When was T411 created?
Sources conflict: some say 2006, while others say 2008.
When was T411 shut down?
It was shut down in June 2017 during a joint French-Swedish police operation.
Why is T411 notable?
It was one of the most popular francophone torrent sites and later became the subject of major French legal proceedings.
What happened after the shutdown?
French courts later convicted or fined people linked to the site and awarded major damages to copyright holders.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T411
    Supports: Semi-private BitTorrent tracker; founded in 2008; shut down in 2017.
  2. Gendarmerie nationale — https://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/gendinfo/criminalite-organisee-et-enquetes/2023/les-gendarmes-cyber-de-la-s.r.-de-rennes-coupent-la-connexion-du-site-de-telechargement-illegal-t411
    Supports: Created in 2008 in Canada; illegal download site; 2017 shutdown context; 2023 Rennes verdict and damages.
  3. BFMTV — https://www.bfmtv.com/tech/vie-numerique/qu-est-ce-que-t411-le-site-de-piratage-condamne-a-rembourser-un-demi-milliard-d-euros_AV-202310170366.html
    Supports: Origin in Quebec; tracker model; 2017 shutdown; 2023 damages and criminal proceedings.
  4. TorrentFreak — https://www.torrentfreak.com/t411-frances-most-visited-torrent-site-has-disappeared-170627/
    Supports: Shutdown in June 2017; popularity among French speakers; Canadian naming reference; operation involving French and Swedish police.
  5. ZDNet France — https://www.zdnet.fr/actualites/t411-la-mega-facture-judiciaire-pour-les-administrateurs-du-site-de-torrents-39961922.htm
    Supports: 2006 launch claim; French closure in 2017; 2023 judicial damages.