Detection of concerning online behaviour
Phase 2 should consider systems to detect and report concerning online behaviour and suspicious combinations of purchases. This should include consideration of:
1. Concerning patterns of online browsing and purchasing (e.g. change of names and addresses, use of Virtual Private Networks).
2. Concerning purchases of dangerous but legal items (e.g. sledgehammers, bow and arrows and smoke grenades).
3. Concerning combinations of purchases (e.g. castor beans, alcohol and laboratory equipment).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government agrees with all 67 recommendations made by the Chair. The government recognises these five fundamental failings. These failings are unacceptable. The Chair has made 10 recommendations for issues to be considered further by the Inquiry in Phase 2. This response refers to these recommendations where they are relevant to or driving current work. (Government Response to Phase 1 of the Southport Inquiry, CP 1623, 2 July 2026.)
Progress Timeline
Government response published 2 July 2026 (CP 1623). The government agreed with this recommendation, which the Chair referred for further consideration in Phase 2 of the Inquiry.
Awaiting government response. Phase 1 report published 13 April 2026.