Google Shuts Down Its Darknet Monitoring Service

Google will shut down Dark Web Report, a service that alerted users about data breaches, in mid-February 2026. The company cited the tool's lack of actionable recommendations as the reason for closure.

Google launched Dark Web Report in March 2023 as a Google One subscriber exclusive, then opened it to all users in 2024. The service will stop scanning the dark web on January 15, 2026, and delete all old reports by February 16, 2026.

The tool let users check if their email address or personal data appeared on the dark web. Google scanned underground forums and sites, then notified users where their data was found and what information was exposed. The company recommended affected users enable two-factor authentication.

Why Google Pulled the Plug

Google told users the tool failed to provide useful action steps. Notifications that personal data circulated on the dark web did little to help users address the problem.

"Dark Web Report contained only general information, and feedback showed it did not offer useful next steps," Google stated. "We are making changes to instead focus on tools that provide clearer, more effective steps to protect your information online. We will continue to monitor and protect you from online threats, including the dark web, and build tools that help safeguard you and your personal information."

The core problem: Google doesn't control the dark web and can't delete data from it. The company could only alert users to the issue.

Replacement Tools

Google will focus on protective tools offering specific, actionable recommendations. These include Google Password Manager and Password Checkup, which checks if passwords appear in known data breaches and warns if credentials are compromised. Google will continue developing Security Checkup and Privacy Checkup, plus support for Passkey and two-factor authentication.

Another tool Google is emphasizing is "Results About You," which lets users search for personal information (phone numbers, home addresses) and request removal from Google search results.

Bleeping Computer noted some users will miss Dark Web Report's consolidated view of potential leaks, which enabled faster response to new threats.