It's a setting in private internet access that restricts apps that you set to communicating only through VPN. If you are not connected with the VPN, the apps will not function. Kind of like a app specific kill switch
Yes, Paid and been great for years for me
Private Internet Access
I use a "virgin" installation of Brave for torrent browsing only and qBittorent, both bound to Private Internet Access.
Somehow I've gotten dinged several times by my isp while torrenting behind a VPN. I'm not sure how it is happening because I am disciplined in my use and all the apps related to it will only function if the VPN is up and running. It's almost as if there's something in video file itself that activates outside of the VPN somehow. Or if private internet access is not offering comprehensive protection any longer.