Google has announced it will discontinue its “Dark Web Report” tool, a security feature that scanned the dark web for users’ personal data, such as email addresses and other credentials, and alerted them if that information appeared in data breaches. The tool will be retired in February 2026, with related monitoring ending in mid-January and all previously collected data deleted by mid-February next year
📌 About the Dark Web Report Tool
Google first introduced the Dark Web Report to help users find out if their personal information had been exposed on hidden parts of the internet commonly associated with stolen data and cybercrime. The feature was available for all Google account holders and scanned for data leaks involving email addresses and other sensitive details.
🗓️ Shutdown Timeline
- ❌ January 15, 2026: Scans for new dark web results will stop.
- 🗑️ February 16, 2026: The tool will be fully discontinued and all stored data eliminated.
Google notified users of the planned shutdown via email and a support page, explaining that the service will no longer be available after the February deadline.
🤔 Why Google Is Ending the Tool
According to Google, the Dark Web Report didn’t provide users with helpful “next steps” after alerting them that their data was found in a breach. Feedback suggested users were unsure how to act on the alerts, leading the company to shift its focus to other security tools that offer clearer guidance and protective measures.
🔐 What Google Recommends Now
Even as it retires the Dark Web Report, Google says it will continue to protect users from online threats and encourages people to use other security and privacy tools such as:
- Security Checkup – Reviews overall account safety settings.
- Passkeys and 2-Step Verification – Helps strengthen account access security.
- Google Password Manager and Password Checkup – Checks password strength and compromised credentials.
- “Results About You” – Lets users find and request removal of personal info from Google Search results.
Users also have the option to manually delete their dark web monitoring profile before the shutdown if they prefer
📊 What This Means for Users
The discontinuation of the Dark Web Report removes a familiar way for everyday users to get alerts about leaked data on hidden internet pages. While Google is pushing other security tools, some privacy advocates and users note that dedicated dark web monitoring functions can still be helpful, especially for identifying when personal data shows up in breach dumps. Third-party services such as Have I Been Pwned and paid identity-protection platforms remain available as alternatives. Gadgets 360
