Is Your Data on the Dark Web? Google Can Help You Find It, Now for Free

Google is the center of billions of people’s digital lives, whether it’s the search engine or the Android apps and mobile phones we use every day. But there are times when our digital lives are disrupted, and it’s important to react in time to avoid serious problems; we’re talking about the so-called “Dark Web,” the “dark” part of the Internet that the vast majority of Internet users don’t visit or know about.

The Deep Web cannot be accessed using a simple browser like the traditional Internet; it operates on a separate network where anonymity and privacy are top priorities. While this has its benefits, it has also contributed to the birth of the Darknet, which consists of pages and forums with malicious intent where criminals, hackers, killers and drug dealers

Personal information is very valuable on the Dark Web, and it is not uncommon for millions of people’s data to be published on its pages without their knowledge or consent. Fortunately, there is no need to go to the Dark Web to find out if they are trading our data; since last year, Google has offered a tool in Spain to analyze the Dark Web for mentions of our personal data. However, this was exclusive to paid users of Google One, the company’s subscription service.

Now Google is going to create this tool free for all users; The only thing you will need is a regular Google account to be able to use this functionality. Google One users have already been warned that the Dark Web report will no longer be available in the app as it was until now; and displays a link for more information on the support page.

This support page explains that Dark Web reporting will be available to all users with the only requirement being a Google account. The change will occur at the end of Julyso we won’t have to wait long to get access to the tool, although it is not yet available to the general public.

Dark Web reporting only requires E-mail address; Once entered, Google will display personal data associated with that address that has been published on the Dark Web, including:

• your name
• mailing address
• Phone number
• Email
• Social Security Number (US only)
• Username
• Password

While dark web email search will be free, Google warns that only paid Google One users will be able to use the tool’s advanced features. These include constantly monitoring the dark web for personal information, getting results other than an email address, and being notified when new results are found.