Kirin Group AI Policy

The Kirin Group※1 (hereinafter referred to as “the Group”) upholds the corporate philosophy of “KIRIN brings joy to society by crafting food and healthcare products inspired by the blessings of nature and the insights of our customers”. The Group operates with CSV※2 (Creating Shared Value) at the core of its management, aiming for sustainable growth together with society.
In order to achieve sustainable growth and enhance corporate value over the medium to long term for our group, it is necessary to strengthen co-creation capabilities through AI※3, improve the productivity of each employee, and create time that leads to value creation, thereby generating CSV with significant social impact.
The Group aims to lead as one of the world's leading CSV companies and become the most trusted company in the world by freely utilizing diverse assets. To achieve this objective and to responsibly tackle major issues and risks that arise in the use of AI, the Group has established this policy to ensure compliance with national and regional laws and regulations and to promote responsible AI use.

Scope of Application for the “Kirin Group AI Policy” ※4
All executives, employees and other personnel of the Group

Position of the “Kirin Group AI Policy”
A guideline for the utilization, research, and development of AI in the Group's business activities

● Summary of the “Kirin Group AI Policy”
1. Implementation of AI Ethical Principles
2. Amendments and Revisions of the “Kirin Group AI Policy”

When utilizing AI, we will, in addition to complying with applicable laws and regulations in each country and region, confirm that such use aligns with the Group’s policies and social norms, and endeavor to conduct business activities with adherence to these principles as the standard for decision-making.

Principle1 “Human-Centric Principle”
The Group believes that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Accordingly, in the development, provision, and use of products and services that utilize AI, we will comply with the Kirin Group Human Rights Policy※6 to ensure that human rights are not infringed. Furthermore, we view AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities and aim to contribute to the improvement of people's well-being through new value creation fostered by the utilization of AI.

Principle2 “Safety Principle”
The Group prioritizes the safety of AI-utilized products and services. By conducting appropriate risk analysis and validation, we strive to ensure that the development, provision, and use of AI do not harm the life, body, property (including intellectual property), mental wellbeing, or environment of users and their associates.

Principle3 “Fairness Principle”
In line with the Kirin Group Human Rights Policy, the 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, age, political beliefs, religion, or other factors among diverse stakeholders.

Principle4 “Privacy Protection Principle”
The Group is committed to handling personal information inherent in the data collected and used for the development, provision, and use of AI-utilized products and services appropriately, protecting the rights including privacy. In dealing with personal information, we adhere to national and regional laws and regulations as well as the Kirin Group's Privacy Data Protection Policy※7 and related internal regulations, ensuring proper management and operation.

Principle5 “Security Assurance Principle”
The Group endeavors to ensure security in the development, provision, and utilization of AI to prevent information leakage through cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, as well as unintended changes or suspension in AI behavior due to improper operations. We comply with national and regional laws and regulations and Kirin Group's related internal regulations in ensuring security.

Principle6 “Transparency and Accountability Principle”
The Group will, in the development, provision, and use of AI-enabled products and services, strive to ensure transparency and accountability by ensuring that AI reliability is verifiable and, to the extent necessary and technically feasible, providing stakeholders※8 with information—such as the purposes of AI use, training methods, and the basis for AI-driven decisions—and by engaging in honest and appropriate communication.

Principle7 “Education and Literacy Principle”
The Group will, to promote a proper understanding of AI and to drive new value creation through its use, cultivate talent who appropriately understand AI’s characteristics and risks and who can take on new challenges using AI. Accordingly, the Group will actively provide AI-related education and training to its employees.

Principle8 “Innovation Principle”
The Group seeks to be an entity that invigorates the world as an advanced CSV company by promoting co-creation with AI within the Group and actively pursuing external co-creation, contributing to innovation promotion and the development of society.

This policy will be reviewed regularly at least once a year. In addition, when significant changes arise — for example due to national or regional AI-related guidelines and laws, shifts in people’s lifestyles or environments, accumulated industry case examples, technological developments, or through dialogue with various stakeholders including customers — the policy will be reviewed as needed and amended or rescinded with the approval of the Executive Officer in charge.