Google is discontinuing its dark web report feature, a tool that alerted users if their personal information appeared on the dark web.
In a notice sent to users, Google said it will stop scanning for new dark web activity on Jan. 15, 2026. The feature and any data collected through it will be permanently deleted on Feb. 16, 2026.
The company said user feedback indicated the tool, while informative, didn’t provide clear guidance on what steps to take to protect personal information. Google explained that the decision to retire the feature allows it to focus on security tools that offer more actionable support.
The dark web report, launched in 2023 for Google One subscribers and expanded to all account users in 2024, monitored email addresses, phone numbers, and home addresses linked to accounts.
Google said it will continue defending users from online threats, including those related to the dark web, through other services. Users are encouraged to rely on tools like Security and Privacy Checkups, Passkeys, 2-Step Verification, Google Password Manager, and Password Checkup. Additionally, the “Results about you” tool can help remove personal information from Google Search results.
Users who wish to remove their monitoring profile before the shutdown can do so through their Google account settings.