Starting from February 16, 2026, Google will retire its “dark web report” feature, which was launched about 18 months ago, which is around June 2024, to help users monitor their personal data on the dark web. From January 15, 2026, Google also proclaim that it will stop scanning for new dark web breaches, this also means that it will cease tracking new outcomes. Feedback indicated that although the report provided general information, it did not offer useful next steps.
The dark web report, which scans different data breach dumps and notifies users if their personal information, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and Social Security numbers, was discovered in breached databases, appeared to be a useful tool for some users.
The support page explains that Google is ending the feature after users reported it “didn’t provide helpful next steps” for managing potential identity risks.
Before the final closure, users can manually manage or remove their monitoring profile data by going to the “Results with your info” area of their Google Account settings.
“Instead, we’re concentrating on technologies that provide you with clearer, more practical ways to safeguard your online information. We’ll keep an eye on you, safeguard you from internet dangers like the dark web, and develop solutions to keep you and your personal data safe.”
This was mirrored by many users, and Reddit discussions had revealed a shared annoyance even though the tool didn’t provide practical guidance. In the words of one Reddit commentator, consumers frequently felt that their only option was to reset their passwords without being made aware of which websites or accounts were impacted.
The internet giant added, “We’re making this change to instead focus on tools that give you more clear, actionable steps to protect your information online.” “We’ll keep an eye on you, protect you from online dangers like the dark web, and develop tools that help safeguard you and your personal data.”
Google suggested alternative safety precautions in lieu of the dark web report tool.
Other tools that the corporation provides also include “Password Checkup,” which notifies users when users saved passwords have been hacked, “Security Checkup,” which evaluates the security of user’s Google account, and an integrated “Password Manager” for creating unique passwords.
According to the press, which were the first to notice the scheduled termination of the service, claims that users were notified via email.
It’s crucial to remember that from January 16, the dark web report tool will no longer be scanning for new breaches. On February 16, all associated data will be removed from Google’s servers, and the dark web report tool will be formally ended.
Before the deadline, users can take control of their data by deleting their profiles by heading to “Results with your info,” choosing “Edit monitoring profile,” and then selecting “Delete monitoring profile” at the bottom.
Alternatively, Google notes that users can use the “Results about you” tool to locate and request removal of personal information, such as phone numbers and home addresses, from Search results.
Google’s dark web report, which alerted users even when their address was discovered on the dark web, may have gone unnoticed by some of its users.
Additionally, so that users may take prompt action, Google’s dark web report gathered all possible dark web leaks in one location.
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