Microsoft Confidential for Law Enforcement Use Only

That’s what the disclaimer says. I believe it.

Brennon Slattery at ComputerWorld just posted an article that’s going to be very controversial. In it, he not only describes the

Microsoft Online Services Global Criminal Compliance Handbook , a “spy guide” for law enforcement detailing what data Microsoft has, keeps, and can relinquish. Since most of you are Microsoft users, there are a few tidbits of information you’ll need to know before purchasing Xbox Live points, logging onto Office Live, or sending an e-mail through Hotmail.

The handbook was posted online by muckraking site Cryptome, prompting Microsoft to issue a DMCA complaint, which in turn led to Cryptome being shut down by its ISP. Calmer heads prevailed and Cryptome is back online.

Amazingly, Microsoft’s Global Criminal Compliance Handbook is still online. Get it while you can. Use a one-time email address if such things bug you.

Thanks to yangs for the heads-up.