I assume viewing a PDF in browser is generally safe everywhere as long as you aren't downloading to HD or cloud? Or is even this activity realistically dangerous without a VPN in some places?
"Viewing something in the browser" is technically downloading. Law system is too archaic to understand how internet works.
this can vary by jurisdiction
i don't think it's dangerous (even torrenting it isn't dangerous) but i don't want to recommend doing something illegal even though it's totally safe