In a win-win situation for all, Google has made its Dark Web Monitoring tool available to all Google account holders. Previously, the tool was available only to users who pay for Google One. The move comes after the removal of VPN access as a Google One benefit, leading some to wonder what’s left for people paying for these services.
Google has been pushing hard to bring its powerful AI, dubbed Gemini, to all its products. From search engine results to Gmail’s spam filter and even hinting faster routes on Google Maps, Gemini’s influence can be seen everywhere. Even when Google One has taken up on this trend, offering an “advanced” AI tier for free. With Dark Web Monitoring becoming a free feature, it seems increased storage could be the only exclusive benefit remaining.
Google One app informs subscribers: “Dark Web Monitoring will no longer be offered on Google One starting in late July.”
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Exclusive Perks For Google One Users
This tool is important because it enables users to know if their email address has been exposed to a data leak. This awareness empowers them to take steps to protect their personal information. By making it free for all users, Google is helping to create a safer online environment. Here are some exclusive benefits for Google One users:
Google One subscribers can track several personal information. Paid accounts allow monitoring of your name, birthday, address, up to 10 email addresses, and up to 10 phone numbers. Free accounts are limited to just one email address, typically the user’s main Gmail address.
Google One sends real-time notifications whenever new leaks show up on the Dark Web that contains a subscriber’s monitored data. Free users will be required to manually check their accounts for potential breaches.
Besides, Google One subscribers can create personalized monitoring profiles. These profiles let users choose the specific data users want to track, including their name, birthday, email addresses, and phone numbers.
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Google Wants To Keep All Its Users Safe
Google’s decision to share Dark Web Monitoring shows a strategic shift towards making security a priority for all its users. While some paying users would feel their subscription is less valuable now, the introduction of “advanced AI” features alongside benefits like more storage and automatic leak alerts hints Google One is evolving to offer a different kind of value to its users.
Also, this move seems to be in line with the growing trend in the tech industry of prioritizing user security and data privacy. As online threats become more complex, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of offering strong security measures as a standard feature, not just a paid extra.