I'm an avid UO server software developer (not RunUO) myself and I can explain a little as to why: Years ago, Richard Garriot who held the rights to Ultima Online at that time sent out an open letter where he declared that he was fine with people developing uo server software and running free servers (freeshards) as long as they did not turn a profit from them.

We do have a pretty strong Data Protection Act, meaning we can see any data on us which isnt being protected due to "national security", or part of a current investigation by the police. Also Requires that the company involved(government) ensures that all data is correct and accurate, and only people who have a need to this data (and in most cases authorised to do so by us) can access it!