Tech News

Google to Offer Free Dark Web Monitoring for All Account Holders

Dark web monitoring will be available to all Google account holders for free
Service integrated into Google’s “results about you” page
Scans for stolen account information, including phone numbers and addresses
Previously exclusive to Google One subscribers, now accessible to everyone

Google is set to make its dark web monitoring service available to all Google account holders for free.

This feature, previously exclusive to Google One subscribers, will be accessible later this month.

Here’s How It Works

The free service will be integrated into Google’s “results about you” page. This page already allows users to check for and request removal of personal information indexed by Google, such as home addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses.

The dark web reports will now be part of this combined solution, aimed at helping users protect their online presence.

Google’s dark web monitoring scans for stolen account information, including phone numbers and physical addresses.

While similar services exist, both free and paid, Google’s integration of this feature with its existing personal information monitoring creates a centralised hub for users to manage their online privacy.

Impact on Google One Subscribers

Google One Subscription: Eligibility and Terms to Note

This change means that Google One subscribers will lose the dark web monitoring benefit they previously enjoyed.

It follows the recent announcement of the shutdown of Google’s VPN service, another perk that was added to Google One subscriptions last spring.

While these features may not have been the primary reason for users to subscribe to Google One, their removal without a corresponding price reduction could be disappointing for some subscribers.

The main draw of Google One remains its expanded storage for Google accounts, including photos and Gmail.

Other Google One benefits include premium Google Meet video calling features, shared storage options, and enhanced Google Calendar appointment scheduling.

However, these may not be compelling enough for all users to justify the subscription cost.

FAQs

What is Google’s new dark web monitoring service?

Google’s dark web monitoring service scans for stolen account information, including phone numbers and physical addresses, and alerts users if their data is found on the dark web.

How can users access the dark web monitoring service?

The service will be integrated into Google’s “results about you” page, where users can check for personal information indexed by Google and request its removal.

Will Google One subscribers still have access to dark web monitoring?

Yes, but this feature will now be available to all Google account holders for free, not just Google One subscribers.

What other features does Google One offer?

Google One provides expanded storage for Google accounts, premium Google Meet video calling features, shared storage options, and enhanced Google Calendar appointment scheduling.