Google has decided to shut down its “Dark Web Reports” feature. If you’ve been using this tool to check if your personal information (like passwords or email addresses) was leaked on the dark web, you will need to switch to other tools soon.
The feature launched back in 2023, but Google says it will be fully retired early next year.
Important Dates to Remember
Google is turning the service off in two steps, so mark your calendar:
-
January 15, 2026: The tool will stop scanning for new data leaks.
-
February 16, 2026: The service will shut down completely. On this day, Google will automatically delete all the data connected to your monitoring profile.
Why is it Going Away?
According to Google, the decision comes down to user feedback. While the tool was good at alerting people that their data was leaked, users felt it didn’t offer enough helpful advice on what to do next.
Because it wasn’t solving the problem effectively, Google wants to focus on building tools that actually help you take action to protect your data, rather than just warning you about it.
What Should You Use Instead?
Google suggests using their other free security tools to stay safe:
-
Google Password Manager: To keep your passwords secure.
-
Security Checkup: To review your account security.
-
Results About You: A helpful tool that lets you find and remove your personal phone number or home address from Google Search results.
How to Delete Your Data Now
You don’t have to wait until February for your data to be removed. If you want to delete your profile today, follow these simple steps:
-
Go to the Dark Web Report page.
-
Click on “Edit monitoring profile.”
-
Select “Delete monitoring profile.”
Once you do this, your data is gone immediately, and you will no longer have access to the feature.
