Google plans to retire its dark web report tool, a free service that warns users if their personal information appears on dangerous parts of the internet. The company announced it will discontinue the feature early next year, citing user feedback that the tool lacked practical utility.
Originally, this monitoring service was a premium feature available only to paying Google One subscribers. In mid-2024, Google removed the paywall and made it available to anyone with a Google account. When active, the tool continuously scans the dark web for sensitive information such as your name, email address, and phone number. If a hacker posts your information following a corporate data breach, the tool sends you a notification immediately.
However, Google says the service isn’t doing enough to help people. In an email announcement regarding the shutdown, the company explained that users found the reports frustrating. While the tool successfully identifies that a leak occurred—and even lists which specific data breach caused it—it fails to tell users how to fix the problem. It acts like a fire alarm that goes off but doesn’t point you toward the exit.
Because the feedback indicated the reports “did not provide helpful next steps,” Google decided to cut the service. Moving forward, the tech giant says it will focus its resources on developing tools that offer clear, actionable advice rather than just delivering bad news.
The shutdown will happen in two stages. First, Google will stop monitoring for new data leaks on January 15, 2026. You will retain access to your old reports for one month after that date. On February 16, Google will permanently remove the report section from your account. If you prefer not to wait for the official end date, you can delete your monitoring profile right now by visiting the “results with your info” section on the official settings page.
