Google has announced plans to scrap its dark web report tool, admitting it’s no longer effective.
Google has announced plans to scrap its dark web report tool, admitting it’s no longer effective.
Introduced two and a half years ago, the feature was included in the Google One premium service, and opened for general access in 2024.
The tool scans the dark web for breaches and notifies users if their personal information, such as email addresses, names, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, have appeared on the dark web.
Notably, it explains where the data was found and what type of data was exposed, but stops there.
In a support page post explaining the decision, Google said while these reports offered “general information” the tool didn’t provide “helpful next steps” for users potentially impacted by a breach.
Scans for new dark web breaches will end on January 15, with the feature – along with all data related to existing dark web reports – disappearing completely on February 16.
