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Google to Retire Dark Web Report in February 2026

Google says user feedback showed the alerts lacked actionable next steps.

Overview

  • Scanning for new dark‑web results ends on January 15, 2026, and access to the feature is removed on February 16, when all related data will be deleted.
  • The company is shifting focus to protections that provide clear guidance, pointing users to Security Checkup, passkeys, 2‑Step Verification, Google Password Manager, Password Checkup, and Results about you.
  • Users who participated in monitoring can delete their Dark Web Report profile immediately via account settings if they prefer not to wait for the shutdown.
  • Launched in 2023 as a Google One perk and expanded to all consumer accounts in July 2024, the tool scanned breach dumps for personal details like emails, phone numbers, addresses, and Social Security numbers.
  • Several outlets recommend third‑party breach monitoring as replacements, including services such as Have I Been Pwned and options bundled with password managers.