Sustainability | Governance | Digital Transformation (DX)TDK Group AI Ethics Policy

The TDK Group leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital assets as catalysts for societal transformation and the realization of its Long-Term Vision. The TDK Group is committed to the ethical development and utilization of AI through the pillars of accountability and transparency and to ensuring that its digital evolution strengthens trust in its products and fosters the continued empowerment of its global workforce.
To this end, when utilizing AI, TDK Members ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in each country and region as well as with the TDK Group’s internal policies and rules to conduct business operations in alignment with those principles serving as the standards for decision-making.

Principle 1. Human Centricity and Commitment to Human Rights

The TDK Group and TDK Members advocate for the ethical application of AI and commit to upholding human dignity and fundamental human rights. In the development, provision, and use of products and services that utilize AI, the TDK Group upholds the principles expressed in the TDK Group Policy on Human Rights to ensure that human rights are protected. Furthermore, the TDK Group views AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities and ensures that the scope and conditions of the use of AI are subject to final decisions by humans.

Principle 2. Stakeholder Engagement

The TDK Group endeavors to maintain an open and proactive dialogue with all internal and external stakeholders in a legitimate, positive, and constructive manner. By fostering open engagement, the TDK Group strives to ensure that its digital strategies remain aligned with global expectations, social norms, and the evolving needs of its communities.

Principle 3. Safety

The TDK Group prioritizes safety with regard to products and services derived from and/or associated with the utilization of AI (“AI-enabled products and services”). The TDK Group shall strive to ensure that development, provision, and use of AI in its business practices do not harm life, body, personality rights (such as the right of portrait, reputation, and honor), physical or mental well-being, or property (including intellectual property and trade secrets) of its users.

Principle 4. Fairness and Equity

In line with the principles expressed in the TDK Group Policy on Human Rights, the TDK Group is committed to developing, providing, and utilizing AI-enabled products and services without creating or promoting unjust biases or discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, region, age, political beliefs, religion, occupation, health, or other factors among diverse stakeholders. To this end, the TDK Group is dedicated to preventing algorithmic bias and discrimination, ensuring that its utilization of AI consistently respects human rights and promotes fairness across all demographics.

Principle 5. Protection of Privacy

The TDK Group upholds the highest standards of data privacy. The TDK Group operates in strict adherence to international legal and regulatory frameworks, applicable laws and regulations, as well as its internal policies and rules, to ensure that the personal and proprietary data entrusted to the TDK Group are protected with the utmost rigor and ethical consideration.

Principle 6. Trust Through Cybersecurity Excellence

Trust is the cornerstone of the TDK Group’s value proposition. The TDK Group safeguards its products, services, and systems through robust cybersecurity provisions. To this end, the TDK Group commits to compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies, and endeavors to ensure security in the development, provision, and utilization of AI in order to safeguard against the risks of cyber-attacks, unauthorized access and improper use, as well as unintended malfunctions in AI behavior. By implementing industry-leading practices in AI technologies, the TDK Group ensures the integrity, availability, and resilience of its digital ecosystem.

Principle 7. Transparency and Algorithmic Accountability

The TDK Group believes that AI must be transparent to be trusted. The TDK Group pursues a policy of Explainable AI, ensuring that its digital systems and automated decision-making processes are understandable, traceable, and subject to human oversight.
To that end, when providing AI, the TDK Group shall, to the extent necessary and technically feasible, supply users with information relevant to appropriate use, including the AI’s limitations and prohibited actions, the content origin, the established AI processes as well as the responsibilities for AI outcomes.

Principle 8. Workforce Empowerment and AI Literacy

Recognizing rapid changes surrounding AI, the TDK Group provides support to TDK Members in order to maintain an appropriate level of AI literacy to ensure responsible use of AI.
As AI embeds into all areas of business, so must TDK Members be aware of unique risks associated with the utilization of AI. The TDK Group invests in the continuous education of our diverse global workforce to understand AI-related risks correctly and safely implement AI in the TDK Group. Through comprehensive upskilling and reskilling programs, the TDK Group empowers TDK Members to navigate technological shifts while maintaining a deep awareness of digital ethics and responsibility.

Principle 9. Innovation, Societal Transformation and Environmental Stewardship

The TDK Group is committed to leveraging AI as a force for good. The TDK Group utilizes technology to drive societal transformation, prioritizing the betterment of humanity and the preservation of the environment in alignment with our Long-Term Vision. To that end, the TDK Group will promote innovation across society by contributing to open innovation, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, supporting interoperability and interconnectivity, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, and providing information to the extent feasible from technical and fairness standpoints.