KEY POINTS
- Google will discontinue its Dark Web Report in early 2026, ending scans in January and fully shutting down in February.
- The company cited user feedback that the tool failed to provide actionable next steps after alerts.
- Google is redirecting users to alternative security features like Security Checkup and Password Manager instead.
ISLAMABAD: Google has announced it will discontinue its Dark Web Report feature in the first quarter of 2026, marking the end of a service designed to alert users when their personal information appears in data dumps on the dark web.
The tech giant stated that scanning for new data will cease on January 15, 2026, with a complete shutdown and deletion of all associated user data from its servers following on February 16, 2026.
A Tool Deemed Lacking in Actionable Guidance
Launched in March 2023, the tool allowed users to monitor whether sensitive details like email addresses, names, phone numbers, and home addresses were found in reported data breaches and dark web lists.
In a communication to users, Google explained the decision, noting that while the report provided general information, user feedback indicated it “did not provide helpful next steps.” The company stated it would now focus on developing more direct and actionable security tools.
Redirecting Users to Alternative Security Features
Despite retiring this specific service, Google emphasised its ongoing commitment to tracking online threats, including those from the dark web. The company is directing users to its suite of other built-in security protections. Recommended alternatives include the Security Checkup, Password Manager, Passkeys, two-step verification, and Google Authenticator.
Google also highlighted features like “Results about you,” which helps users manage their personal information in search results.
Users currently enrolled in the dark web monitoring service will lose access upon shutdown. Those wishing to remove their monitoring profiles ahead of time can do so manually via their account settings on the Dark Web Report page.
