Social Media Policy

The Kao Group (hereinafter referred to as the “Kao”) provides information on its products and services, and attaches importance to communication with customers through social media. This Social Media Policy (hereinafter referred to as the “Policy”) sets forth the basic principles and approach for managing social media accounts operated by Kao.

Scope of Application

This Policy shall apply to all Social Media accounts operated by Kao. The term “social media” in this Policy refers to internet services that enable the general public to transmit and exchange information. The term “Kao” in this Policy refers to Kao Corporation, any company in which Kao Corporation directly or indirectly owns a majority of the issued voting shares or ownership interests, and any company that, following discussions with Kao Corporation, has resolved to apply this Policy.

Purposes of Using Social Media

Kao uses social media for the following purposes:

• To provide information to a wide audience about Kao’s products, events, services, as well as, Kao’s corporate activities.
• To listen to customer feedback and use it to improve products and services.
• To build customer trust and enhance brand value.

Basic Principles for Operating Social Media

Kao shall operate its social media accounts in accordance with the following basic principles.

• Kao will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and will strive to communicate appropriately so as to avoid misunderstandings.
• Kao will strive to avoid sharing any unverified information and any content that infringes on the rights of third parties. If Kao distributes incorrect information or any information which infringes the rights of third parties, Kao will make every effort to remove or correct such information or take action to remedy the situation promptly and sincerely.
• Kao will listen to customer feedback and use it to improve products and services.
• Kao will remain aware of the risk that social media backlash or the spread of false or unverified information may damage public trust.

Handling of Personal Information

Kao will comply with applicable laws and regulations concerning the handling of personal data received through social media accounts and will not disclose such data without a valid legal basis to do so.

Kao’s Policy on Responding to Inappropriate Posts and Direct Messages

If social media accounts operated by Kao receive posts or direct messages containing any of the following content Kao may take appropriate action without notifying the sender:

• Content that violates or contravenes the laws, customs, or social norms of any country/region where the social media accounts are operated or are accessible.
• Content that is defamatory or infringes on the rights or privacy of any individual or organization (including Kao).
• Content that is misleading or likely to be considered inappropriate under generally accepted social standards.

Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise specified, Kao is the owner of all content (the “Content”) posted on social media accounts operated by Kao or holds the rights to publish such content. Although the Content (images, audio, and text) may be freely browsed, any use (including reproduction, distribution, modification, public transmission, reuse, and transfer) without prior written permission from Kao is prohibited, regardless of the method or purpose.

Please note that any use of the Content without authorization from Kao may constitute a violation of copyright and trademark laws, or an infringement of right of publicity or privacy. However, partial downloads of the Content are permitted for personal and non-commercial use only. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Kao makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the use of the Content by anyone other than Kao, including infringement of third-party intellectual property rights.

Changes to This Policy

This Policy will be subject to ongoing review and may be updated to respond to changes in the social media environment. Such changes may be made without prior notice.