Compliance with "Sony Group Code of Conduct" in Business In May 2003, Sony adopted the "Sony Group Code of Conduct," which sets forth the basic internal standards to be observed by all directors, officers and employees of the Sony Group in order to emphasize and further strengthen corporate governance, business ethics and compliance systems throughout the Sony Group. The code includes basic policies concerning deals with suppliers such as "Fair Procurement" and "Gifts and Entertainment," with which all personnel in the Sony Group are required to comply. Sony Corporation has also installed a hotline for suppliers to report compliance violations on the part of Sony Group company employees or executives. Appropriate actions are taken in response to such reports once veracity has been confirmed.