[pionar]

Microsoft's Online Services agreement (covers Hotmail)[0]:

Does Microsoft disclose my personal information outside of Microsoft? You consent and agree that Microsoft may access, disclose, or preserve information associated with your use of the services, including (without limitation) your personal information and content, or information that Microsoft acquires about you through your use of the services (such as IP address or other third-party information) when Microsoft forms a good faith belief that doing so is necessary (a) to comply with applicable law or to respond to legal process from competent authorities; (b) to enforce this agreement or protect the rights or property of Microsoft or our customers; or (c) to help prevent a loss of life or serious physical injury to anyone.

Notice the bit about "protect the rights or property of Microsoft or our customers".

[0] http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/microsoft-se...