dark web is a term used to refer to websites that you cannot find through traditional search methods. You can install specialized browsers such as Tor on your smartphone to access these websites, which are mainly used for illegal activities, such as selling stolen user data through data leaks.
In 2023, Google introduced dark web reporting, dark web scanning to find your personal data and notify you if you find any matching data. Initially, the service was limited to Google One subscribers, but it was available to everyone for free last year.
However, the search giant has now announced that the feature will stop scanning new dark web violations starting on January 15, 2026 and will be permanently disabled on February 16, 2026.
Google made this decision after receiving many responses that showed that this feature was not really useful. It only provides general information that your personal data has been leaked on the dark web, rather than providing details about what you should do next.
The notice also mentioned that this change will allow Google to focus on other services that help protect your data online. Currently, the company recommends using other tools such as Security Checkup, which will scan your Google account for any suspicious activities.
There are also tools like Password Manager, which allows you to create a single password for different online accounts, and Password Checkup, which will notify you if any of your saved passwords are leaked online.
