Is it normal for browsers to block torrent files as malware?

It's not uncommon for browsers to block torrent files as a precaution. Sometimes, the sites hosting these torrents are marked as suspicious because they have a history of malware distribution. It's best to check if the site you’re using is reputable. If you're uncertain, using a magnet link instead of downloading the torrent file might help you bypass the warning while still getting the content you want.

Any torrent file does carry some level of risk, mainly depending on what it’s set to download. If the website you're getting it from is flagged as harmful, it’s probably safest to steer clear and look for an alternative. Just remember, it's ultimately your call whether to proceed or not, but take care!

I’ve downloaded stuff from YTS before without issues. It’s weird that your browser is now blocking it; something might have changed or it could just be a false positive. You could try using Chrome if it's working fine for you.