#GoogleDarkWeb #SecurityShutdown #PrivacyTools
Google to Shut Down Dark Web Monitoring Tool in February 2026
Google's pulling the plug on its dark web scanning feature next year, shifting focus to more actionable security tools after feedback showed it fell short.
Key highlights
⦁ Launched in 2023 for Google One users and expanded to all accounts in 2024, the tool scanned for leaked personal info like emails and SSNs on the dark web.
⦁ Scans end January 15, 2026; full shutdown February 16, 2026, with all data deleted—users can opt to remove profiles early via the settings.
⦁ Reason: Reports gave general alerts without clear next steps, so Google prioritizes passkeys, Security Checkup, and "Results about you" for better protection.
⦁ Alternatives: Use Have I Been Pwned or Google's Password Manager; the company vows continued dark web threat monitoring behind the scenes.
⦁ Impact: Aimed at identity theft prevention, but critics say it was basic—now emphasizing phishing-resistant MFA and data removal from search.
Read More: Google Dark Web Shutdown
Google to Shut Down Dark Web Monitoring Tool in February 2026
Google's pulling the plug on its dark web scanning feature next year, shifting focus to more actionable security tools after feedback showed it fell short.
Key highlights
⦁ Launched in 2023 for Google One users and expanded to all accounts in 2024, the tool scanned for leaked personal info like emails and SSNs on the dark web.
⦁ Scans end January 15, 2026; full shutdown February 16, 2026, with all data deleted—users can opt to remove profiles early via the settings.
⦁ Reason: Reports gave general alerts without clear next steps, so Google prioritizes passkeys, Security Checkup, and "Results about you" for better protection.
⦁ Alternatives: Use Have I Been Pwned or Google's Password Manager; the company vows continued dark web threat monitoring behind the scenes.
⦁ Impact: Aimed at identity theft prevention, but critics say it was basic—now emphasizing phishing-resistant MFA and data removal from search.
Read More: Google Dark Web Shutdown
