Google to shut down dark web report feature in 2026

Google has announced it will discontinue its dark web report feature, a tool designed to notify users if their personal information surfaces on the dark web. The shutdown is scheduled for early 2026.

In an email to users, Google stated that it will cease scanning for new dark web results on January 15, 2026. Following this, the report and all associated data will become inaccessible starting February 16, 2026, after which all related information will be permanently deleted.

The company explained that feedback indicated the dark web report, while informative, didn't provide users with clear guidance on how to protect themselves. As a result, Google is redirecting its efforts towards security tools that offer more actionable advice.

"We’re making this change to instead focus on tools that give you more clear, actionable steps to protect your information online,” Google stated in its message to users.

The dark web report was initially introduced in 2023 as a benefit for Google One subscribers. It later became available to all Google account holders in 2024.

This feature actively monitored the dark web for sensitive information linked to user accounts, including email addresses, phone numbers, and home addresses.

Google has assured users that it will continue to safeguard them from online threats, including those originating from the dark web, through its other security services.

The company is encouraging users to utilize tools such as Security and Privacy Checkups, Passkeys, 2-Step Verification, Google Password Manager, and Password Checkup. Additionally, users can leverage the "Results about you" feature to request the removal of personal data from Google Search results.