Sustainability AI Principles

EP-Link positions artificial intelligence (AI) as an important technological foundation that contributes to solving social issues, enhancing customer value, and achieving sustainable business growth. On the other hand, AI entails risks such as privacy infringement, discrimination and bias, and information security threats.
Based on its management philosophy, EP-Link has been working to establish responsible conduct and governance across all business activities. These AI Principles are established in alignment with these existing policies and initiatives and reflect the same values and responsibilities regarding the use of AI, with the aim of promoting its safe and appropriate utilization.

As an SMO that supports the implementation of clinical trials at medical institutions, EP-Link utilizes AI to achieve improved quality of clinical trials and operational efficiency, and will continue to challenge itself to contribute to pharmaceutical development and create new value. In SMO operations where quality and reliability are emphasized, EP-Link promotes AI utilization that ensures appropriate governance, transparency, and ethics. EP-Link leads AI utilization in the SMO field and contributes to the development of pharmaceuticals and medical care.

Purpose

These Principles set forth EP-Link's basic philosophy regarding the development, provision, and use of AI and aim to achieve the following objectives:

  • Clarify EP-Link's basic stance on AI utilization
  • Ensure reliability and transparency in a manner consistent with management policies
  • Balance maximizing the value of AI use with minimizing risks

Scope of Application

This policy applies to all aspects of AI planning, development, procurement, provision, operation, and use in which EP-Link is involved.

EP-Link does not regard AI as being limited to specific technologies or products, but rather views it as a broad concept that includes highly complex information systems in general that incorporate AI technology.

Basic Philosophy

In utilizing AI, EP-Link respects the following values based on its management philosophy.

  1. 1.Respect for Human Dignity
    Without relying excessively on AI, humans take the lead and utilize AI as a tool.
  2. 2.Diversity
    EP-Link ensures that the use of AI does not result in unjust discrimination or exclusion.
  3. 3.Sustainability
    EP-Link promotes AI utilization that contributes to solving social issues and creating long-term value, including consideration for quality and environmental sustainability.

Basic Principles Regarding AI

EP-Link respects the principles of a human-centered AI society advocated by the government and handles AI based on the following principles while ensuring consistency with various policies.

  1. 1.Human Control and Responsibility
    The use of AI is premised on respecting human rights, and humans retain ultimate decision-making authority and responsibility.
  2. 2.Fairness and Non-Discrimination
    EP-Link takes care to ensure that no unjust discrimination occurs through the use of AI.
  3. 3.Ensuring Privacy and Compliance with Laws and Regulations
    EP-Link strives to appropriately protect privacy, personal data, and sensitive information in accordance with relevant laws and internal regulations. EP-Link handles information relating to the rights of third parties with due care and consideration, taking into account its characteristics and striving to ensure that individuals and society are not subjected to undue harm or disadvantage.
  4. 4.Ensuring Security
    EP-Link implements appropriate measures against cybersecurity risks related to AI.
  5. 5.Transparency and Accountability
    EP-Link strives to ensure transparency by providing appropriate explanations regarding the purpose, role, and use of AI, where practicable.
  6. 6.Fair Competition
    EP-Link respects fair transactions and competition and does not engage in inappropriate use of data.
  7. 7.Promotion of Innovation
    EP-Link promotes the sound development and utilization of AI that contributes to the advancement of society and industry, while ensuring appropriate quality and safety.
  8. 8.Improvement of Literacy
    EP-Link implements appropriate education and awareness programs to enhance AI literacy and ethical awareness among officers and employees.

Governance

EP-Link is committed to maintaining responsible AI governance and pursuing continuous improvement to achieve both the maximization of value and the minimization of risk in AI utilization.

Stakeholders

EP-Link values dialogue with customers, business partners, officers and employees, and society, and strives to build trust regarding the use and application of AI.

Incident Response

In the event of an accident, malfunction, information leakage, or serious misuse caused by AI, EP-Link will follow the response process based on the information security policy, prioritize communication and response to stakeholders, and strive to assess impacts, prevent the spread of damage, and prevent recurrence. In addition, EP-Link will fulfill its accountability to stakeholders.

Review of This Policy

EP-Link will review this policy as appropriate in light of advances in AI technology, social conditions, legal systems, and revisions to EP-Link's related policies.

July 1, 2026

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