Metropolitan Airports Commission Public Internet Use Policy

Purpose

Within the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (Airport), the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) provides public access to the internet. This policy outlines the responsibilities taken on by Users when they choose to use this service and the rights of the MAC associated with its provision of this service. The term “Users,” as used in this policy, refers to all persons or entities accessing or using MAC's public internet.

Internet Access and User Responsibilities

1. Choosing and Evaluating Internet Resources

Users are solely responsible for choosing and evaluating internet resources. The MAC does not and cannot monitor or control all information found on the internet and is not responsible for any internet content. Access to the internet does not imply MAC's sponsorship or endorsement of any online content or viewpoint.

2. Children and Families

Parents and guardians are solely responsible for their children's access to and use of the internet. Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise, actively participate in, and develop rules for their children's internet use.

3. Internet Filtering

To reduce MAC's network from exposure to potential malware and other cyber risks, public internet access is filtered. No internet filter is completely effective. Some websites that should be blocked may not be, while other websites that should not be blocked may be. Users who encounter a site that they believe should or should not be blocked are encouraged to contact MAC staff at mspcares@mspmac.org. MAC reserves the right to change its content filters and other security measures at any time and without notice to Users.

4. MAC Disclaimers

The MAC makes no representations nor guarantees that information accessed or transmitted on the internet is private, secure, uninterrupted, or error- or virus-free, nor does it represent or guarantee that internet content is accurate, reliable, or safe to access or download. Additionally, the MAC's wireless network is not encrypted, meaning that information sent or received over the network could potentially be intercepted or viewed by another user and another user could potentially access and change your files and programs. Use of the MAC's wireless network is entirely at Users' risk. The MAC expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from or relating to Users' use of its wireless network.

5. MAC Devices

MAC employees and contractors should not connect MAC-owned devices to the public access wireless network.

Acceptable Internet Use

Users must respect the rights of fellow Users and Airport staff when using the MAC's wireless network. MAC reserves the right to create time and bandwidth limits that can be enforced to ensure that all Users have an equal opportunity to use the internet. 

Examples of unacceptable internet use include, without limitation:

  • Engaging in activity through the wireless network that violates federal, state or local law. Examples of illegal conduct include, without limitation, displaying or distributing child pornography or other obscene material.
  • Violating copyright laws. Federal law prohibits the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of copyrighted materials, including electronic resources. The MAC is not liable or responsible for Users' violation of copyright laws.
  • Violating software, database, or other license agreements.
  • Invading or violating the privacy of other Users or Airport staff, including use of the wireless network to decrypt data.
  • Gaining unauthorized access to databases, websites or electronic resources (including via "hacking").
  • Attempting to bypass content filters or other security countermeasures.
  • Displaying, creating or printing material that is obscene, pornographic.
  • Intercepting, monitoring, disrupting, or impeding other Users' communications on the wireless network, or altering other Users' files or programs.

Failure to follow these guidelines or other rules for technology and internet use may result in the suspension of privileges, including, without limitation, the disconnection of your device(s) from the wireless network. Continued violation may result in the blacklisting of your device(s) and law enforcement involvement. 

Data Privacy

1. MGDPA

The MAC is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13 (MGDPA). Under the MGDPA, all data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by MAC, including data collected as a result of MAC's provision of public internet access, is public data unless classified otherwise by a state statute, a temporary classification, or a federal law.

2. No Expectation of Privacy

MAC has the right, but not the duty, to monitor any and all aspects of its wireless network, including, but not limited to, monitoring sites visited by Users on the Internet. As such, Users should not have an expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send, or receive on the MAC's wireless network.

3. Data Collection for Network Management Functions

For network management functions, the following information is collected for analysis and statistical purposes, as well as to facilitate the enforcement of this policy:

  • Session information, including session times, traffic information, and numbers of sessions.
  • Client information, including protocol number and device information.
  • Network information, including network identifiers.

Information collected for these purposes may be shared with MAC’s technical partners tasked with the promotion, analysis, development, administration, and operation of MAC's wireless network, as well as with any person or entity whose access is permitted by law.

4.  Tennessen Warning and Consent to Release of Information

By virtue of your use of the MAC's network, the MAC, and its contracted partners, (hereinafter, "MAC") will need to collect, use, and disseminate certain data about you. In accordance with the MGDPA, MAC is required to inform you of your rights regarding MAC's collection, use, and dissemination of these data.

The network may collect certain categories of private or confidential data concerning yourself, including electronic access data.

The collection of this information is necessary for the successful operation of the network. The use and dissemination of this information helps MAC administer and develop the network. In particular, this information will allow MAC to conduct statistical analysis to aid in further developments of this service. 

You are not legally required to provide this information and may refuse to do so by choosing not to use this service. You are not required to authorize the use and dissemination of this information as described in this warning, but without your authorization, you will not be able to use the service.

MAC may disseminate this information to individuals and entities whose access is specifically authorized by state, local, or federal law, or by court order. MAC may also disseminate these data to its partners contracted to promote, analyze, develop, administer, and operate MAC's network.

By agreeing to this policy, you attest that you understand this warning. You further authorize MAC to use and disseminate this information as described in this warning.  You express your understanding that, although MAC may classify this information as private or nonpublic, you nonetheless authorize its use and dissemination as described in this warning.