Recommendation SP12: Detection of concerning online behaviour
From The Southport Inquiry Report: Phase 1, published 13 April 2026.
Recommendation
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).
In brief (written by this site)
Phase 2 was asked to evaluate systems detecting suspicious online activity and purchases. In July 2026, HM Government stated in a response presented to Parliament by the Home Secretary that the Chair will consider suspicious purchase combinations in Phase 2, noting that acquiring weapons and poisons involves stakeholders who could not be consulted during Phase 1 (Home Office response, Jul 2026). It added that further measures on crossbows and knives will also be considered, and that the Home Office will work with the Inquiry to review current legislation (Home Office response, Jul 2026). The record holds nothing dated later than the response of July 2026 (Home Office response, Jul 2026).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 17 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
The Chair has rightly stated that the acquisition of weapons and poisons is a complex topic, with a range of interested stakeholder groups that could not be consulted within the terms of Phase 1. The Chair will consider in Phase 2 how to address suspicious combinations of purchases, and further measures on crossbows and knives. The Home Office will work with the Inquiry to identify further areas of concern within current legislation.
How this response relates to the recommendation
Site note: The response does not name this recommendation. Paragraph 58 says the Chair will consider suspicious combinations of purchases in Phase 2, which is the subject of this recommendation, and that the Home Office will work with the Inquiry. It takes no position on the recommendation, so the row is marked noted.
Delivery
This recommendation is for Phase 2 of the Inquiry to consider. It is not addressed to the government or another body, so there is no delivery to report.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Home Office
Response