The Data Protection Act, which normally prevents companies from sharing such information, has a get-out clause for cases where it is clear that a crime has been committed.

There are so many anchovies, you can "walk on the sea" without wetting your feet—"or so I am told", said Mr Sarkozy, carefully giving himself a get-out clause even as he pandered.

Opera's End User License Agreement contains the get-out clause that attempts to get around the fact that a significant percentage of data Shared on the service could break the law.