Google to Shut Down Dark Web Report Tool in February 2026
Google is discontinuing its darkweb report in 2026. Find out what happens to your data and how to protect yourself from darkweb leaks.
Google has announced that it will discontinue its darkweb report tool in February 2026, less than two years after launching the feature to help users track whether their personal information appears on the darkweb.
According to Google, scans for new darkweb data breaches will stop on January 15, 2026, and the tool will be fully retired on February 16, 2026.
“While the report provided general insight into darkweb exposure, user feedback showed that it didn’t offer clear or actionable next steps,” Google stated in a support document. “We’re shifting focus to tools that help users take more direct action to protect their personal information online.”
What Happens to Dark Web Report Data?
Google confirmed that all data associated with the darkweb report will be permanently deleted once the feature is retired in February. However, users who prefer to remove their information earlier can manually delete their monitoring profile by following these steps:
- Go to the Dark Web report
- Under “Results with your info,” select Edit monitoring profile
- Scroll down and click “Delete monitoring profile”
- Confirm by selecting Delete
Why Google Introduced the Dark Web Report
The darkweb report was first introduced in March 2023 as a response to growing online identity theft and fraud linked to data breaches. The tool scanned the darkweb for exposed personal information, including names, addresses, email accounts, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, and alerted users when matches were found.
In July 2024, Google expanded access to the feature, making the darkweb monitoring tool available to all Google account holders rather than limiting it to Google One subscribers.
Google’s Recommended Alternatives to Dark Web Monitoring
With the darkweb report being discontinued, Google is encouraging users to strengthen their digital security by:
- Enabling passkeys for phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Removing exposed personal data from Google Search using Results about you
- Reviewing account privacy and security settings regularly
Although the darkweb report tool is going away, Google says its broader focus remains on helping users reduce online exposure and better protect sensitive information in an increasingly data-driven world.