Google has announced that it will shut down its Dark Web Report tool at the beginning of next year. The tool helped users monitor whether their personal information appeared in illegal data leaks on hidden parts of the internet.
Starting January 15, 2026, the tool will stop scanning new data on the dark web. By February 16, 2026, the feature will be completely closed. After that, all user data associated with the service will be deleted from Google’s servers.
The Dark Web Report tool was first introduced in March 2023 to help users keep track of their digital footprints. It scanned for email addresses, names, phone numbers, and addresses in reported data breaches and dark web listings. If it found a match, it alerted the user.
However, Google noted in a recent email that while the tool provided general information, users felt it did not offer effective guidance for protecting their data.
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Instead, Google plans to focus on tools that give users clear and actionable steps to secure their online information. These include:
- Security Checkup
- Password Manager
- Two-Step Verification
- Google Authenticator
Google has also introduced the “Results About You” feature, which helps users find their personal information in search results and, in some cases, remove it.
Once the Dark Web Report service is closed, users will automatically lose access to it. Google emphasized that it will continue to take other steps to protect user information even after the tool shuts down.
