Google to End Dark Web Monitoring Service, Stop Breach Scans in January 2026

Google’s Dark Web Reports feature, which was introduced to alert users about personal information found in dark web data breaches, is scheduled to be discontinued in February 2026, according to information published on the company’s support pages.

It has been confirmed that scanning for new dark web breaches will be stopped on January 15, 2026 . The feature will be fully shut down on February 16, 2026 , after which all data associated with the service will be permanently deleted.

The Dark Web Reports tool was launched in March 2023 and was initially made available only to Google One subscribers . In 2024 , access to the feature was expanded to all Google account users. The service monitored known dark web sources to check whether personal details such as email addresses, passwords, and phone numbers were exposed in data breaches, and alerts were provided to affected users.

According to Google, feedback indicated that while the feature offered general information, it did not provide sufficiently clear or actionable steps for users after a breach was detected. As a result, the company has stated that a shift is being made towards privacy and security tools that offer more direct protection and guidance.

Users have been informed that all monitoring data linked to Dark Web Reports will be automatically deleted once the service is discontinued. However, the option to delete the dark web monitoring profile manually before the deadline has also been provided. Once the profile is deleted, access to the Dark Web Reports feature will no longer be available.

The deletion process can be completed by visiting the Dark Web Report page within a Google account, selecting the option to edit the monitoring profile, and choosing to delete the profile.

Following the discontinuation, users have been advised to rely on Google’s existing privacy and security tools. These include Security Checkup, passkeys for password-less sign-ins, Google Password Manager, and the “Results about you” feature, which allows users to find and request the removal of personal information such as phone numbers and addresses from Google Search results.

Google has stated that it will continue to track and defend against online threats and develop tools aimed at protecting users’ personal information, even as the Dark Web Reports feature is brought to an end.

IntelX is an advanced search engine for leaked data, darknet content, and public records. It is mainly used by researchers and journalists, but individuals can perform limited searches for exposed emails or usernames. Website: intelx.io .

BreachAlarm monitors breached databases and allows users to check whether their email address or domain has been compromised. It is often used by businesses but also works for individual users. Website: breachalarm.com.