Google has provided a free way to check if any of your data is being used on the dark web.
The dark web (rightfully) gets a bad reputation, and with it being used for everything from buying illegal substances to hiring an assassin, it's a seedy underbelly of the internet. Getting on the dark web is an ordeal in itself, but lurking out there, it's a one-stop shop for data breaches. If you're worried your details have been leaked on the dark web or just the general web, Google has a free dark web report that reveals whether your data has been leaked.
The Google dark web report is now free for all, revealing whether your sensitive data has been exposed to the world.
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While the dark web report was previously only available for those who had a Google One membership, it's been offered for free since July.
The report is available as part of the 'Results about you' feature that helps users find results that contain their personal information and remove them.
As well as your home address and phone number, these breaches tend to include your email address.
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To find your report follow these instructions:
- Head to Google's 'Results about you' page
- Click the 'Get Started' button
- Enter your full name, address, phone number, and email
- Set your notifications to alert you via email or via the Google app
- A screen will appear saying, ' checking for any search results that match your name and contact info'
You can request the removal of results that contain your personal information, while you can also request to remove results when searching by selecting the menu icon next to something that includes your details.
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Requests are reviewed by Google, and if they meet the requirements, they'll be removed. The review process involves checking that the offending website isn't owned by a government or educational institution.
This is part of Google's expanded effort to protect data and privacy, and after some serious breaches, it's developed its own Privacy Sandbox. The Privacy Sandbox uses technology to protect consumers while still helping companies advertise to us.
Earlier this year, a leaked copy of an internal Google database revealed thousands of privacy-related incidents from 2013 to 2018. Thankfully, a Google spokesperson said that all incidents were reviewed and resolved.
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Among the biggest fumbles were a Google speech service logging audio around 1,000 children, as well as a flaw in the Google Street View algorithm saving license plates. It was also here that Google got called to task on its SEO, with some saying leaks prove it isn't always honest about its rankings. While privacy issues continue to be a concern for users, at least you now know how to check if your personal data has been leaked to the masses.