It’s official: Google is sending another product to its famous graveyard. Less than two years after rolling it out as a free feature for all account holders, Google is discontinuing the Dark Web Report.
If you relied on this tool to check if your email, phone number, or social security number was floating around on the criminal underground, here is everything you need to know about the shutdown timeline and what you should use instead.
What to Remember
- Service Shutdown: Google Dark Web Report will completely cease operations on February 16, 2026.
- Scanning Stops Sooner: The tool will stop scanning for new breaches as early as January 15, 2026.
- Reasoning: Google cited a “lack of utility” and an inability to provide actionable resolutions for users.
- Action Required: Export any necessary data before the cutoff and switch to alternatives like Have I Been Pwned.
The Shutdown Timeline: Mark Your Calendars
According to emails sent to users this week, the sunsetting process will happen in two quick phases in early 2026:
- January 15, 2026: The tool will stop scanning the dark web for new results.
- February 16, 2026: The service shuts down completely. All your existing reports and monitoring profiles will be permanently deleted.
Why is Google Doing This?
The feature, which started as a premium perk for Google One subscribers before becoming free in July 2024, is being axed due to a lack of utility.
In a statement to users, Google admitted that while the tool provided information about breaches, it failed to offer “helpful next steps.” essentially, users were told their data was stolen, but the dashboard offered little actionable advice on how to fix the specific problem beyond generic password changes.
User sentiment mirrors this decision. Discussions on Reddit highlight that many found the alerts repetitive or vague compared to dedicated security tools. As one user put it, “It was never useful, just showed random gibberish with no actual information on fixing anything.”
What Should You Use Instead?
Google suggests users pivot to its other built-in tools, such as the Google Password Manager and Security Checkup, which can flag compromised passwords.
However, for true dark web monitoring, you should look at these robust alternatives:
- Have I Been Pwned (HIBP): The gold standard for breach monitoring. It is free, accurate, and widely trusted by the security community.
- Bitwarden or 1Password: If you use a password manager (and you should), both of these offer built-in breach reports that are often more detailed than Google’s offering.
- Google’s “Results About You”: While not a security tool per se, this Google feature helps you find and remove your personal contact info (phone numbers, addresses) from Google Search results.
The Bottom Line
While it is always disappointing to lose a free security tool, the Dark Web Report was often considered “lite” compared to competitors. If you currently use it, we recommend exporting any data you need before the February 16, 2026 cutoff and setting up alerts on Have I Been Pwned.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Google Dark Web Report shutting down?
The tool will stop scanning on January 15, 2026, and the service will shut down completely on February 16, 2026, deleting all data.
Why is Google discontinuing the Dark Web Report?
Google stated the tool lacked utility and failed to provide users with helpful, actionable next steps to resolve the security issues it flagged.
What happens to my data after the shutdown?
On February 16, 2026, all your existing reports and monitoring profiles associated with the Dark Web Report will be permanently deleted.
What are the best alternatives to Google Dark Web Report?
Robust alternatives include Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) for breach monitoring, and the built-in breach reports found in password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password.
Does Google have other security tools I can use?
Yes, Google suggests using the Google Password Manager and Security Checkup to monitor for compromised passwords and account security issues.
