SoftBank's Human Rights Policies

  1. Promises with respect to human rights
    All of the executives and employees of SoftBank Corp. and its Group companies (hereinafter, “We”) contribute to the development of a sustainable society by respecting human rights in every aspect of our corporate activities.
  2. References and scope
    We strive to avoid involvement in discrimination and the violation of human rights in all services, products, and business activities in accordance with the international principles of human rights*1 while also requiring suppliers and business partners to respect and refrain from infringing on human rights under these principles.
  3. Emphasis on diversity
    We respect the diversity of the colleagues that we work with and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, birthplace, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, illness or any other factor. Opportunities shall be equal at all times, and hiring, placement, evaluation, remuneration, and promotion are conducted based on individual abilities, experience, and performance.
  4. Prohibition of forced labor and child labor
    We prohibit any and all forms of forced labor and human trafficking as well as child labor*2 and undertake the revision and eradication of labor practices which violate human rights.
  5. Respect for the freedom of association and the exercise of the right to collective bargaining
    We respect the right to form labor unions based on the wishes of individual employees as well as the right to choose whether or not to participate, and we affirm the exercise of effective collective bargaining rights. The company shall negotiate in good faith through constructive dialog with labor representatives.
  6. Benefits and wages
    We endeavor to comply with applicable laws regarding wages, working hours, overtime, and benefits. In addition, we endeavor to reduce excessive working hours which are not limited to legal compliance and provide employees with remuneration that exceeds living wages and is competitive when compared with other labor markets in the region and industry. Under the principle of equal pay for equal work, we aim to eliminate unreasonable treatment disparities based on the type of employment and allow our employees the freedom to choose diverse work styles.
  7. Employee safety and health preservation & promotion
    We comply with the laws, regulations, and rules concerning safety and health while providing a sound and intelligent working environment and maintain such compliance through implementing the appropriate measures for health risks. Furthermore, we actively utilize cutting-edge technology to aim for the promotion of our employees' health.
  8. Freedom of expression and the protection of privacy
    We recognize the freedom of expression and the protection of privacy in telecommunications and the Internet and communications on social media and take the utmost care not to infringe on such rights. In addition, we serve all customers in a fair and equitable manner while providing reliable and highly convenient services.
  9. Ethical Use of AI
    We recognize that the development, design, provision, and use of AI could have potential negative impacts on human rights, and we respect all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, birthplace, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, illness or any other factor. Furthermore, we pay close attention to the existence of social minorities such as women, racial minorities, and sexual minorities, which are often less visible in commonly circulated data. Through technology, we aim to realize an inclusive society.
  10. Responsibility to the Local Community
    Under SoftBank Group's environmental policy, we strive to promote business activities that respect the global environment and human rights. While communicating with stakeholders, we ensure our operations do not infringe upon the health and safety of local residents, land rights, and the rights of indigenous peoples.
  11. Initiatives and systems directed at the respect of human rights
    We construct mechanisms for effective countermeasures to prevent the violation of human rights by establishing the appropriate reporting point of contact. In order to evaluate the impact of business activities on human rights, we carry out human rights due diligence, continuously monitor the impact, and report to the appropriate parties. In the unlikely event that business activities should have a negative impact on human rights, we shall respond appropriately using fair and equitable remedial actions to mitigate and resolve such effects.
  12. Communication
    The promotion of this charter is under the jurisdiction of the human rights committee which includes the Chief Executive Officer, and the contents of the charter shall be disseminated to all executives, employees, and external stakeholders through the proactive promotion of activities concerning the awareness of human rights.
[Notes]
  1. *1
    Refers to the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” “UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” “Children's Rights and Business Principles,” “Ten Conventions in Five Areas of Fundamental Labour Standards of the ILO,” and “OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.”
  2. *2
    Child labor refers to the employment of children under the age of 15 that hinders compulsory education, as well as hazardous and harmful work for those under the age of 18.