Google Introduces Free Dark Web Monitoring Feature to Protect User Information Online – All Details
Google is simplifying its Google One subscription service, with changes that will go into effect soon. In a move announced in April, Google will discontinue two services: Google One VPN and free shipping for prints on Google Photos. Despite these cuts, a key feature of the VPN service — dark web reporting — will be made available for free to all Google Account holders starting in late July.
Changes to Google One Services
The decision to kill Google One VPN comes from low usage, leading Google to prioritize more popular features. Instead of VPN, Google will maintain the Pixel VPN service, which is accessible outside the Google One app. Users can also turn to third-party VPN services to meet their needs.
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Originally part of Google One VPN, the dark web reporting feature alerts subscribers if their personal information and logins appear on the dark web. As part of the upgrade, the feature will integrate into Google’s existing “About You Results” tool, which is accessible without a subscription. The integration is intended to empower users to protect their online presence.
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Simple access and management
The “About You Results” tool helps users manage their online footprint by allowing them to review the personal information that appears in search results. By entering information such as name, address or phone number, users can see what data is publicly available. Google also issues notifications when new information is discovered, allowing users to request the removal of unwanted search results, depending on whether they violate Google’s content policies.
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This integration means that both the dark web report and “About You” results will now be accessible via the Google app on mobile devices or through Google account settings on the web. While this change may complicate access a bit compared to their previous location in the Google One app, it does consolidate the related tools into a single, user-friendly interface. The consolidation is intended to simplify the task of monitoring and managing online security and privacy for users.
