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Google to End Dark Web Report Scans Jan. 15, Delete Tool Feb. 16

Google says feedback showed the alerts lacked actionable next steps, prompting a pivot to tools that guide concrete protection.

Overview

  • New dark‑web monitoring halts on January 15, with existing findings accessible until the tool and its data are removed on February 16.
  • Launched in March 2023 as a free Google Account feature, the report scanned breach dumps for personal identifiers.
  • Google is steering users to Security and Privacy Checkups, 2‑Step Verification, passkeys, and Password Manager features such as Password Checkup, which remains available.
  • The company says it will continue defending users against online threats, including dark‑web activity, while focusing on protections with clear remediation steps.
  • Security experts recommend third‑party options like password managers with dark‑web monitoring and VPNs, with NordPass citing ongoing monitoring as a critical habit.