Dark Web Report discontinued by Google, ending free breach monitoring

Google has officially discontinued its Dark Web Report feature, a free tool that once scanned known Dark Web violations for personal information linked to a user’s Google account. The service sent notifications when email addresses and other identifiers appeared in leaked datasets.

According to Google’s support page, the system stopped analyzing new Dark Web data on January 15, 2026 and the reporting feature was removed entirely on February 16, 2026, meaning users can no longer access the feature.

The company said the move reflected a shift toward security tools that it said provide clearer guidance. After exposure, rather than standalone analytics alerts.

If you previously relied on free Dark Web scanning as an early warning signal of a data leak, this change removes one of your sources.

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Google has officially discontinued its Dark Web Report tool, removing free breach alerts tied to user accounts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

So what have users really lost?

Google’s Dark Web Report served as a basic exposure scanner. It checked whether personal information linked to a Google account had surfaced in collections of known breaches circulating on the dark web.

When a match is found, users receive a notification identifying the type of data that appeared in a leak. Depending on the data breachwhich may include an email address, phone number, date of birth, or other identifying information commonly collected in large-scale hacks.

The report did not display stolen credentials or provide access to the leaked database itself. It also did not trace the origin of the compromise beyond referring to the breached service when it was available.

After an alert was issued, the next steps were left to the user. Google recommended actions such as changing passwords, enabling stronger authentication methods, and reviewing account security settings. With the tool now removed, this automated violation check directly linked to a Google account is no longer available.

What you still have access to

Google directs users to its Security Checkup, a dashboard that scans your account for weak settings and unusual login activity.

Its built-in password manager includes password checking, which scans saved credentials against databases of known breaches and prompts you to change exposed passwords. Google also supports passwords and two-factor verification to lock account access.

The Results About You tool allows users to search for personal information in Google Search and submit removal requests for certain publicly indexed details.

149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK

Without automatic scanning, users now have to search for leaked data using other security tools. (iStock)

Alerts do not always equal protection

Once personal information is compromised, it often ends up far beyond the breach itself. Stolen credentials and identity data are routinely trafficked on underground platforms where buyers can search for information linked to real people.

The dark web marketplace BidenCash was shut down by US authorities in June 2025, and the Justice Department confirmed that the platform peddled personal information and stolen credit card data.

These illicit marketplaces operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores. Search tools and bulk data sets are up for grabs and can be used to target any online account. This makes it easier to credential stuffing, where attackers test leaked passwords across multiple services in hopes of breaking into your account.

A breach alert linked to a Dark Web scan indicates a leak at some point; it is not clear whether this information was sold to third parties or used in subsequent fraud attempts. For everyday users, this means that just knowing your data appeared In the event of a leak, it doesn’t help much.

THINK YOUR NEW YEAR’S PRIVACY RESET WORKED? THINK ABOUT YOURSELF

Stolen personal information can circulate for years, making ongoing monitoring more important than a one-time alert. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Identity monitoring may be a better option

With Google’s analytics gone, some people might instead consider services dedicated to identity protection. Many of these services offer continuous monitoring of your personally identifiable information and send alerts about changes to your credit reports from the three major U.S. credit reporting agencies. This may include notifications about new inquiries, newly opened accounts, and monthly credit score updates. Some plans also monitor a wider range of personal identifiers, such as driver’s license numbers, passport numbers and email addresses.

Beyond credit monitoring, some services track related bank, credit card and investment accounts looking for unusual activity. They may also monitor public records for changes in addresses or property titles and alert you if your information appears in those records.

Many providers include identity theft insurance to help cover eligible recovery costs. Coverage limits vary by plan and provider. Additional features often include protection against spam calls and messages, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN), and antivirus software.

No service can prevent all forms of identity theft. However, ongoing monitoring and recovery assistance can facilitate a rapid response if your information is misused.

Check out my tips and top picks on the best identity theft protection at Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Google’s decision to abandon its Dark Web report may seem small. But it removes a tool that many users relied on. For some, these alerts were the first warning that their data was appearing in a breach. This automatic analysis is now gone. Google still offers security check, password check, passwords and two-step verification. However, none of them actively scan Dark Web violation dumps for you. Stolen data does not disappear. Criminals copy it, sell it and reuse it. An alert displays a single moment. Continuous identity theft monitoring helps you stay informed over time.

Now that Google has abandoned its Dark Web monitoring feature, will you actively check your data for exposure or assume someone else is monitoring it for you? Let us know what you think by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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