Google is eliminating one of its security tools designed to alert users when their personal information appears on the dark web.
The company has confirmed it is discontinuing its Dark Web Report feature, which scans the dark web for exposed personal data tied to your Google account. The tool will be phased out in early 2026, with scans ending first and the feature fully shutting down weeks later.
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Google outlined two key dates users should know:
January 15, 2026: Scans for new dark web breaches will stopFebruary 16, 2026: The Dark Web Report will no longer be availableOnce the feature is retired, all data associated with users’ monitoring profiles will be permanently deleted, according to Google.
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Why Google Is Ending the Feature
In a support document explaining the decision, Google said feedback showed the Dark Web Report didn’t provide users with enough meaningful next steps after alerts were triggered.
“While the report offered general information, feedback showed that it didn't provide helpful next steps,” Google said. “We're making this change to instead focus on tools that give you more clear, actionable steps to protect your information online.”
The company says it will continue monitoring online threats, including activity on the dark web, while shifting its focus to tools it believes offer stronger protection and clearer guidance.
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Google says all Dark Web Report data will be deleted on February 16, 2026, when the feature officially shuts down. Users who prefer not to wait can manually delete their monitoring profile ahead of time.
To delete your profile early:
Go to the Dark Web ReportUnder “Results with your info,” select Edit monitoring profileScroll to the bottom and choose Delete monitoring profile, then confirmOnce deleted, you’ll no longer have access to the feature.? SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
What Google Recommends Using Instead
As part of the transition, Google is encouraging users to rely on other existing privacy and security tools, including:
Security CheckupPasskeys for phishing-resistant sign-inAuthentication ToolsGoogle Password Manager and Password CheckupResults About You, which allows users to find and request removal of personal information, such as phone numbers and home addresses, from Google Search resultsGoogle also reiterated that the Dark Web Report was only available to consumer Google accounts, not Google Workspace or supervised accounts.
Google originally launched the Dark Web Report in March 2023 as a way to help combat identity theft by alerting users when sensitive information appeared on the dark web. In July 2024, the company expanded access beyond Google One subscribers to include all Google account holders.
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