Aspiring to become a world leader in the use of AI, SoftBank Group Corp. focuses on both proactive and secure aspects in our approach to AI governance. We established guidelines on generative AI in April 2023, and in April 2024 we added Action Statements on responsible AI to the SoftBank Group Code of Conduct, that apply to officers and employees of the Group to promote the active but responsible use of AI. One way in which we have promoted the active use of AI across the Group is to organize a contest in which employees pitch ideas for using ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies.
Sustainability
Responsible AI
The Group’s mission is to stay at the forefront of the Information Revolution and ensure that the revolution builds a more connected empowered, and joyful world. At the core of the Information Revolution today lies AI. Aspiring to become a world leader in the use of AI, we are committed to promoting responsible AI so that AI benefits everyone.
Establishing AI Governance
SoftBank Group Corp.’s approach to AI governance
SoftBank Group Corp. has identified “Responsible AI” as the most important material issue relating to sustainability that should be addressed with priority and is aiming to establish an appropriate group AI governance structure. As part of this effort, we have established the AI Governance Working Group under the Group Risk and Compliance Committee (GRCC) to discuss an approach to AI governance. Chaired by the CSusO and with a membership that includes representatives from related divisions (e.g., CEO Office, Legal, Information System) and from major Group companies (e.g., Arm, SoftBank Corp., LY Corporation, SBIA), the working group convenes regularly to share information about best practices and discuss an AI governance model for SoftBank Group Corp. to adopt. We will continue efforts to build a governance structure that balances proactive and secure approaches to manage the breakneck advancements in AI.
AI Governance Working Group Structure
Proactive and secure use of AI
ChatGPT usage contest awards ceremony
Group Companies’ Initiatives
Objective and effective AI governance（SoftBank Corp.）
SoftBank Corp. has a dedicated team leading efforts to build an effective system of AI governance to ensure that the company’s AI-driven services are safe and secure for customers to use. For example, in July 2022, the company established the SoftBank AI Ethics Policy.* To ensure the effectiveness of the governance structure, the company has also set specific rules and checklists for AI-related planning, application, development, and outsourcing. SoftBank Corp. also takes active steps to raise awareness of AI governance in the workplace. It provides a basic training course for all employees along with practical training for employees involved in AI-related planning, development, and application.
Employees can also access information about AI governance initiatives on the company’s web portal. During March 2024, which was the company’s “AI governance strengthening month,” the company issued an e-mail newsletter with information about AI governance and organized a lecture delivered by an external expert. In April 2024, the company established the AI Ethics Committee, a panel that outside experts join, which discusses and advises the company on matters related to AI ethics. SoftBank Corp. will remain committed to delivering objective and effective AI governance, incorporating the advice of the AI Ethics Committee and user feedback.
As of April 2024, the policy applies to 72 group companies of SoftBank Corp.
Initiatives to encourage use of generative AI（LY Corporation）
Educational manga about AI
on Yahoo! JAPAN Kids
LY Corporation’s precursor, Z Holdings Corporation, established an expert panel on AI ethics, and this panel continues to function in LY Corporation. In 2022, the Basic Policy on AI Ethics was established to declare its approach to AI governance. When the company launched an internal chat-based generative AI tool in July 2023, employees were briefed on the proper use of generative AI and access was granted upon passing an e-learning test. LY Corporation has also focused on training. As well as providing regular training to its engineers, it provides training courses to all employees, including training on AI governance and training on effective prompt engineering.* To help foster AI literacy among children, the company has published an educational manga about AI on its web portal Yahoo! JAPAN Kids. In February 2024, the company held a press briefing about its internal and public generative AI applications to generate media attention for these initiatives.
Process of designing a prompt (a question or instruction) that can be acted upon by an AI model.
