Basic Approach

Sony actively works to pursue accountability and transparency by establishing an AI governance framework under the Sony Group Code of Conduct to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal rules; introducing and strengthening guidance for the use of AI, including the Sony Group AI Ethics Guidelines and the Sony Global AI Governance Policy; and advancing dialogue with diverse stakeholders, in order to promote the responsible use of AI at Sony.

Metrics and Targets

• Operation and improvement of the AI governance framework
• Establishment and revision of internal rules and guidelines, as necessary
• Education and awareness-raising activities for employees
• Dialogue with stakeholders

Organizational Structure

Under the Sony Global AI Governance Policy, Sony’s Chief Officer responsible for AI governance, to whom authority has been delegated by the CEO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the AI governance framework across the Sony Group. Within each business domain, AI Governance Officers have been appointed, and governance frameworks are established in accordance with the characteristics of each business and other relevant factors.

Main Initiatives in Fiscal Year 2025

Operation and enhancement of appropriate AI governance across the Sony Group to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and internal rules applicable to the development, use, and provision of AI

Promotion of Responsible AI

Responsible Use of Technology

Sony aims to contribute to the development of a peaceful and sustainable society and deliver Kando to people through the use of AI (artificial intelligence). At the same time, Sony recognizes that the impact of AI on society is multifaceted and may lead to unintended consequences.
Based on this understanding, Sony has set forth in the Sony Group Code of Conduct, which serves as a guide for daily business activities, that it will comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal rules, and develop and use technology ethically. Sony also advances various forms of dialogue with stakeholders and actively works to pursue accountability and transparency in the development and use of AI technologies.
The Sony Group AI Ethics Guidelines, established in September 2018, clearly demonstrate this approach. The Guidelines are composed of the items below and set forth principles for all Sony officers and employees involved in promoting the use, research, and development of AI to conduct AI use, research, and development in harmony with society.

Sony Group AI Ethics Guidelines

• Supporting Creative Life Styles and Building a Better Society
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Provision of Trusted Products and Services
• Privacy Protection
• Respect for Fairness
• Pursuit of Transparency
• The Evolution of AI and Ongoing Education

As one initiative based on these Guidelines, Sony conducts assessments for products incorporating AI at an early stage of the commercialization process, based on predefined requirements for the use of AI, such as fairness and transparency, and identifies, confirms, and implements appropriate measures.
In addition, major Sony Group companies have established and introduced internal guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI tools.

AI Governance

To ensure compliance with applicable laws and internal rules, including the above Guidelines, Sony has introduced the Sony Global AI Governance Policy and has established and maintains an AI governance framework covering the entire Group.
Under this Policy, the Chief Officer responsible for AI governance, to whom authority has been delegated by the CEO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining Group-wide mechanisms to promote responsible use of AI. As an advisory body to this Officer, Sony has established the Sony Group AI Ethics Committee, which is composed of diverse executive members from Sony Group. The Committee deliberates on and provides advice regarding AI use, research, and development from social and ethical perspectives in accordance with the Sony Group AI Ethics Guidelines.
Within each business domain, AI Governance Officers have been appointed, and governance frameworks have been established in accordance with the characteristics and risk profiles of each business, including the introduction of risk assessment and approval processes for AI use tailored to the circumstances of each business.
Certain matters and initiatives that may have an impact across the Group are reported or escalated to the Group headquarters and reviewed appropriately at the Group level. In addition, the headquarters AI Governance Office and the AI Governance Officers of each business regularly share and discuss regulatory developments, best practices, and other relevant matters to maintain and improve the quality of related practices across the Group. This mechanism also contributes to embedding Group-level guidance and other measures within each business domain.
In addition to these measures, Sony promotes understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and internal rules through employee trainings and other initiatives, while also fostering a common understanding of fairness, transparency, accountability, and related principles. In this way, Sony realizes appropriate AI use by establishing structures and adopting measures at both the Group and business levels, while ensuring consistency across the Group.
Sony will continue to promote the use of AI as a foundation that supports innovation, while continuously enhancing its governance framework to ensure the responsible use of AI.