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.
Google confirmed it is scrapping its dark web report tool, which alerts users if their personal information appears in known dark web breaches.
The feature was introduced around 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 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 shift its focus to tools that offer clearer and more practical security actions.
Key shutdown dates to remember
Google has outlined a clear timeline for ending the service.
End of scans
Scans for new dark web breaches will stop on January 15.
Complete removal
The feature, along with all existing dark web report data, will be permanently removed on February 16.
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 prioritise tools that provide “clear, actionable steps” to protect personal information.
Google added that it will continue tracking and defending users from online threats, including those linked to the dark web. Google highlighted several existing tools that users can rely on instead.
These include Security Checkup, passkeys for password-free sign-ins, authentication tools, Password Manager, and Password Checkup. Together, these services aim to strengthen account security and reduce the risk of compromise.
Google also encouraged users to make use of its “Results about you” feature.
This tool 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, users need to open the dark web report, go to “results with your info,” and select “edit monitoring profile.”
From there, scrolling to the bottom of the page allows users to choose the “delete monitoring profile” option and fully erase their data.
Google customers looking for similar services still have several options.
Companies such as NordProtect, Aura, Norton, and Malwarebytes offer dark web monitoring tools.
There is also the free service HaveIBeenPwned, which alerts users if their email addresses appear in known data breaches.
