• Google announces the discontinuation of the "Dark Web Report" tool in 2026
• The company recommends users rely on alternative security tools

Google intends to discontinue the "Dark Web Report" tool in early 2026, just a year and a half after its wide rollout to Google account users.

The company informed active users via email that the service will stop permanently on February 16, 2026, and monitoring for new results will cease starting January 15, 2026, with all associated data deleted on the same final date.

Google had made the tool available to all users in 2024 to monitor email addresses on the "dark web," a hidden part of the internet often linked to illegal activities, notifying users when their information appeared.

The company explained on its support page that the decision came after an evaluation showed the tool did not provide clear actionable steps for users after detecting data leaks.

It confirmed that it will redirect its efforts toward tools that offer direct, actionable guidance to protect personal information online while continuing to monitor digital threats, including those related to the dark web.

In this context, the company advised users to rely on alternative tools to enhance account security, including Security Checkup, Passkeys, verification tools via the Google Safety Center, Password Manager, and Password Checkup.

It also encouraged the use of the "Results about you" tool, which allows requesting the removal of personal information from search results, such as phone numbers or home addresses.