Respect for Human Rights
Basic Approach
Sony manages diverse businesses with people at the core, in line with its Purpose to “fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology,” and its Corporate Direction of “getting closer to people.” Sony believes that to connect people to each other through emotion, it is necessary to create a society in which everyone can live with peace of mind in a healthy global environment. Sony also believes that all human beings should be treated with dignity and respect as set out in the Sony Group Code of Conduct.
With these approaches, through the Sony Group Human Rights Policy, Sony commits to upholding fundamental human rights principles such as the International Bill of Human Rights and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and to respecting internationally recognized human rights of people potentially affected by Sony’s business operations throughout Sony’s value chain.
In line with the Sony Group Human Rights Policy, Sony will also use reasonable efforts to avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts that may arise from our operations, products, services and/or business relationships and will take reasonably necessary actions to help remediate any impacts that may occur. Sony aims to conduct human rights due diligence on an ongoing basis. For issues where significant adverse human rights impacts are identified or of concern, Sony actively promotes initiatives to prevent or mitigate those issues, monitors the initiatives’ effectiveness and considers enhancements to these initiatives, as appropriate.
Metrics and Targets
The content pertaining to human rights in Sony’s medium-term management plan from fiscal year 2027 to fiscal year 2029 sets out Sony’s aims to further strengthen its group-wide human rights risk management structures, conduct ongoing human rights due diligence, consider expanding human rights-related disclosure, and complete preparations for legally-required disclosure.
Organizational Structure
The Sustainability Department at Sony Group Corporation supports Sony’s group-wide human rights initiatives under the supervision of the Senior Executive in charge of Sustainability of Sony Group Corporation. This support includes maintaining the human rights due diligence framework described below, and oversight of the human rights initiatives implemented by the responsible personnel of each Sony Group company in their respective business operations in accordance with the Sony Group Human Rights Policy. The Department and subsidiaries engaged in key business within Sony Group assess human rights impact. The Department collaborates with relevant departments at headquarters, such as those responsible for human resources, procurement, and compliance, as well as with related departments in each business, to address actual adverse impact on human rights, prevent or mitigate the potential adverse impact on human rights.
Sony also established the Human Rights and Diversity Promotion Council, chaired by the Senior Executive in charge of Human Resources and General Affairs, with members drawn from related departments at Headquarters. The Council provides support for group companies in Japan to raise awareness of human rights and promote diversity.
Main Initiatives in Fiscal Year 2025
- Ongoing efforts to promote initiatives under areas of human rights highly relevant to Sony’s business operations and for group-wide initiatives (Priority Areas)
- Formulation of Sony Group Human Rights Due Diligence Implementation Rules as rules subordinate to the Sony Group Human Rights Policy, which define, among other things, the roles and responsibilities of the Sustainability Department, relevant divisions, and each business representative companies in major business segments, as well as specific operational procedures for the continued implementation of human rights due diligence
- Appointment of officers and managers responsible for implementing human rights due diligence at representative companies in major business segments in line with the aforementioned rules
- Collaboration with external experts to refine analysis of value chains and stakeholders in major business segments and review human rights issues relevant to each business operation.
- Updates to Sony Group Priority Areas identified in 2020 based on the results of the aforementioned refinement and review processes
- Formulation and deployment of Business and Human Rights training content for employees
Human Rights Due Diligence
Under the Sony Group Human Rights Policy, Sony conducts human rights risk impact assessments and engages in initiatives to prevent or mitigate any potential negative impact on human rights in line with the framework set out in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) issued by the United Nations Human Rights Council and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct.
Specifically, Sony promotes human rights efforts in the following ways: (1) conducting human rights risk impact assessments, (2) identifying Priority Areas based on applicable assessments, (3) considering and conducting activities to address Priority Areas, (4) providing grievance mechanisms (hotlines), and (5) communicating with stakeholders.
Human Rights Risk Impact Assessments
Sony has conducted group-wide human rights risk impact assessments since fiscal year 2012 in partnership with BSR*1 to identify relevant risks and to work to mitigate them. Sony has conducted applicable assessments in major business segments following the steps outlined below since fiscal year 2024. In fiscal year 2025, Sony updated the Group’s Priority Areas based on the results of these assessments.
- Sony draws up a list of human rights issues from international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ILO International Labour Standards, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. We also reference source materials from human rights experts, academics, governments, NGOs and other experts to identify potential human rights risks. This information is compared to Sony’s areas of business to identify risks that are highly relevant to Sony’s business activities.
- Sony analyzed value chains in major business segments and identified stakeholders relevant to major business activities.
- Based on the previously-stated list of human rights topics and the results of the value chain analysis, each business segment evaluated the impact of human rights risks related to each business by considering two perspectives—severity and likelihood of occurrence—as well as the degree of involvement in human rights topics, the extent of influence that can be exerted on potential adverse impacts on human rights, and the status of the internal risk management system. Each business segment then identified key areas of focus.
- *1BSR is an independent, global, non-profit organization devoted to building a just and sustainable world.
Human Rights Risk Impact Assessment History
| FY2012 |
Initial assessment conducted |
|---|---|
| FY2017 |
Refresh assessment conducted |
| FY2020 |
In partnership with BSR, Sony identified the following potential human rights risk areas that are highly relevant to Sony’s business activities:
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| FY2023 |
Conducted a human rights risk impact assessment in partnership with BSR, including multiple external stakeholder engagements and confirmed that the three areas of potential human rights risk that were previously identified as most relevant to Sony’s business activities remained the same |
| FY2024 |
Conducted human rights impact risk assessment at major business segment level*2 |
| FY2025 |
Refined analysis of value chains and stakeholders in major business segments, reviewed human rights issues relevant to each business*2, and updated Group Priority Areas |
- *2Engaged with both external and internal stakeholders during the human rights risk assessment.
Identifying Priority Areas and Relevant Initiatives
Sony has reclassified various human rights issues in potential human rights risk areas that are highly relevant to its business activities. In fiscal year 2020, Sony identified three Priority Areas: responsible supply chains, respect for diversity, and the responsible development and use of technology. Sony has advanced initiatives in these Priority Areas, and the table in this section outlines the approach to each area.
Sony Group Priority Areas (until March 31, 2026)
| Responsible Supply Chain | Respect for Diversity | Responsible Development and Use of Technologies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach |
Sony recognizes the increasing importance of global companies’ responsibility to manage their supply chains responsibly as diligent members of society. This extends beyond our manufacturing sites, including those of parts suppliers and contract manufacturers. Sony works with its suppliers to address issues such as human rights, labor conditions, health and safety, and environmental protection throughout its supply chain in order to ensure a responsible supply chain. |
Sony is committed to creating a workplace that respects human rights and provides equal employment opportunities and strives to create a place where everyone belongs and demonstrates their individuality, inspiring an inclusive society. Sony also helps to ensure that workers’ rights are safeguarded by adhering to worker protection laws, regulations, and standards in all regions where it operates. |
Sony recognizes that our stakeholders have expectations regarding our ability to both grow our business and solve social and environmental issues through technology. |
| Internal Policies |
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| Initiative details |
In addition to the above, Sony works to respect diversity by considering various cultures and regional characteristics in advertising, creativity and content services. Major initiatives are as follows.
- Regular meetings regarding expression-related issues (Sony Group in Japan)
- Application of age-based recommendations of ratings organizations in Japan, the United States, and Europe (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
- Collaboration with global organizations across various diverse disciplines related to studio produced content and social impact strategies (Sony Pictures Entertainment)
In fiscal year 2025, Sony also reviewed the Sony Group’s Priority Areas based on the results of its human rights risk impact assessment and identified the three Priority Areas listed below. Sony will advance initiatives in these new Priority Areas moving forward.
- Ensuring the Rights and Safety of People Who Use Sony’s Products, Content, and Services
- Fostering Ways of Working Centered on the Well-being of People Who Contribute to Sony’s Creativity
- Upholding Fair Working Conditions for People in Sony’s Supply Chain
Grievance Mechanisms (Hotlines)
Sony has established the following hotlines for employees and stakeholders to report and seek advice concerning any potential violation of laws, regulations, the Sony Group Code of Conduct, the Sony Supply Chain Code of Conduct or other internal rules. Sony also has a contact point that offers consultation on equal opportunity-related issues and support for work-life balance even in cases where no regulation or law has been violated. These hotlines equip Sony to respond quickly and appropriately, while giving full consideration to personal privacy. Sony strictly enforces confidentiality and ensures that reporters are not subject to reprisal for reporting or using these services.
Sony’s Ethics and Compliance Program
Sony established the Sony Ethics & Compliance Hotline as a mechanism for all Sony Group employees to raise concerns and to seek guidance about possible violations of laws or internal policies, including violations of the Sony Group Code of Conduct.
Supplier Hotline
Sony has established a supplier hotline as a mechanism for suppliers to report misconduct by a Sony Group company executive or employee that violates laws, regulations, the Sony Group Code of Conduct, the Sony Supply Chain Code of Conduct or the company’s agreements with suppliers.
Grievance System for Sony Group Electronics Supply Chain
Sony has established a grievance system for relevant stakeholders in the electronics supply chain, including manufacturers and suppliers of parts, raw materials, manufacturing equipment, etc., their employees, and other related parties. Please refer to the Responsible Supply Chain pages for details regarding system operations.
- Responsible Supply Chain > Grievance Mechanism, Remediation and Corrective Action
- Establishment of the "Grievance System for Sony Group Electronics Supply Chain"
EEO (Equal Employee Opportunity) Hotlines
Sony Group companies in Japan have established a hotline for equal opportunity. The hotline is available for all Sony Group employees in Japan to discuss a wide range of equal opportunity-related issues, such as harassment and support for work-life balance. In addition, Sony Group companies in Japan have also established a hotline specializing in cases to provide employee counseling by third parties with expertise on issues that employees are reluctant to raise within the company.
Dialogue with Stakeholders
Sony maintains dialogue with stakeholders, such as industry associations, investors and NGOs, in addition to publicizing its efforts through its Sustainability Report and Sustainability Small Meeting. This dialogue helps Sony to understand stakeholders’ expectations and leads to better human rights initiatives.
Education and Training
As human rights issues that corporations face today become more complex, Sony believes in the increasing importance of thoroughly communicating the Sony Group Human Rights Policy and enhancing employee awareness.
Employee Training
All Sony employees receive training on respecting human rights and preventing harassment in the workplace upon hire. Refresher training is also provided at least every four years thereafter. In Japan, we regularly implement various programs, such as focusing on domestic issues for all employees and using more practical content for newly appointed managers. In addition, an e-learning course regarding human rights is provided to all employees of Sony Group Corporation as well as many Sony Group companies. In fiscal year 2025, 82% of eligible employees of group companies in Japan took the e-learning course regarding the fundamentals of business and human rights
Raising Employee Awareness of Human Rights
Sony Group Companies in Japan
Each company has an officer and manager responsible for human rights and diversity promotion and implements initiatives related to human rights, and related matters. Serious cases of harassment and communication issues related to human rights are discussed within the group-wide system and appropriate responses considered. Additionally, Sony works with the Industrial Federation for Human Rights, Tokyo to compile information on various aspects in this area and improve human rights literacy in Japan. Every December, in support of Human Rights Week, Sony presents awards for outstanding human rights awareness slogans composed by employees of Sony Group companies. In addition, Sony also holds a forum for learning about themes related to human rights. Sony Group companies outside of Japan have similar programs in place to ensure respect for human rights in the workplace.
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE)
SIE provides training on its policies related to topics such as health and safety, equal opportunity employment, and harassment prevention in the workplace. In addition, employees have access to resources and guidance materials that help strengthen the sense of belonging for all employees across the company.
Sony Music Group (SMG)
Always respecting local laws, regulations, and cultural contexts, SMG provides and supports training, policies, education, facilitation, and resources that help advance fairness, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in the workplace wherever possible.
SMG is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment through initiatives including anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training, workplace violence prevention, psychological safety education, neurodiversity awareness and accommodation resources, accessibility education, mental health and wellbeing programming, and inclusive leadership development.
These efforts support key pillars of MILES, SMG’s strategic framework designed to guide and strengthen the company’s approach to inclusion, engagement, accessibility, learning, and workplace culture across global markets. Through MILES, SMG seeks to promote dignity, respect, equal opportunity, and human rights while helping employees feel seen, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE)
SPE provides training on workplace policies and practices that cover harassment prevention, workplace behavior, and respect for people of all backgrounds and cultures. The company has mandatory and local training, such as Respect in the Workplace, covering psychological safety, mental health and well-being, accessibility, and inclusion. Together with related programs and resources, these efforts support a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace and reinforce respect for human rights across the company.