Google is ending its dark web report tool – Here’s the reason

Google has announced it will discontinue its dark web report feature, acknowledging that the tool no longer meets its intended purpose. The service, which scans the dark web for leaked personal data, will be phased out in early 2026.

The company confirmed it is scrapping the dark web report tool, which alerts users if their personal information appears in known dark web breaches. The feature was introduced about two and a half years ago as part of the Google One premium service and was later opened to all users in 2024.

The tool scans the dark web for compromised data such as email addresses, names, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers. It also shows where the data was found and what type of information was exposed, but it offers no further guidance.

In a post on its support page, Google said the reports provided only “general information.” The company admitted the feature did not give users “helpful next steps” after discovering their data in a breach. As a result, Google decided to focus on tools that offer clearer and more practical security actions.

Key Shutdown Dates

• End of scans: Scans for new dark web breaches will stop on January 15, 2026.

• Complete removal: The feature and all existing dark web report data will be permanently removed on February 16, 2026. All stored information will be deleted automatically.

Google Says Users Are Not Being Abandoned

Despite removing the feature, Google stressed that it is not stepping away from online security. The company said it wants to prioritize tools that provide “clear, actionable steps” to protect personal information.

Google added it will continue tracking and defending users from online threats, including those linked to the dark web. Some existing tools users can rely on include:

• Security Checkup

• Passkeys for password-free sign-ins

• Authentication tools

• Password Manager

• Password Checkup

Google also encouraged users to use the “Results about you” feature, which helps users find and request the removal of personal information, such as phone numbers and home addresses, from Google Search results.

How Users Can Delete Their Data Early

Although all data will be deleted automatically in February, users can remove their monitoring profiles sooner. To do this:

1. Open the dark web report

2. Go to “results with your info” and select “edit monitoring profile”

3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and choose “delete monitoring profile” to fully erase data

Alternatives for Dark Web Monitoring

Google customers looking for similar services can consider:

• NordProtect

• Aura

• Norton

• Malwarebytes

The free service HaveIBeenPwned, which alerts users if their email addresses appear in known data breaches.

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