Chapter 8 – Liability, Indemnification and Warranties

Article 31 | Anti-Bribery and Corruption

(1)   Commitment to Ethical Conduct: Members of the AI Standardisation Alliance are committed to conducting their activities ethically and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. All members must adhere to the highest standards of integrity in all interactions related to the Alliance.

(2)   Scope of Application: This Article applies to all members, stakeholders, employees, contractors, and any third parties involved in the Alliance’s activities. It covers all forms of bribery and corruption, including but not limited to direct or indirect payments, gifts, hospitality, facilitation payments, and other improper inducements.

(3)   Prohibitions: Members shall not engage in any of the following:

(a)   Offering, paying, or promising any bribes or kickbacks, whether directly or indirectly, to influence business decisions or secure an improper advantage.

(b)   Accepting bribes or kickbacks from other parties in exchange for favourable treatment within the Alliance.

(c)   Using third parties or intermediaries to conduct activities that could violate anti-bribery laws.

(d)   Engaging in any corrupt practices that could undermine the integrity of the Alliance's objectives.

(4)    Transparency and Disclosure: Members are encouraged to maintain transparency in their operations. This includes disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or financial dealings that may affect their participation in the Alliance. Members must provide relevant documentation (such as financial records) when requested by the Secretariat for compliance purposes.

(5)   Reporting Obligations: All members have a duty to report any knowledge or suspicion of bribery or corruption promptly. Reports should be made through designated reporting channels established by the Secretariat. Confidentiality will be maintained for individuals reporting such concerns.

(6)   Training and Awareness: The Alliance will provide periodic training on anti-bribery and anti-corruption practices to ensure all members understand their obligations under this Article. Members are expected to participate in these training sessions as part of their commitment to ethical conduct.

(7)   Monitoring and Compliance: The Secretariat will monitor compliance with this Article through audits, reviews, or other mechanisms deemed necessary. Members must cooperate with any investigations into potential violations. Failure to comply with anti-bribery practices may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership.

(8)   Consequences for Non-Compliance: Any breach of this Article may lead to serious consequences, including:

(a)   Legal action,

(b)   Reputational damage,

(c)   Termination of membership in the Alliance.

(9)   Members are responsible for ensuring that their employees, agents, and associates also comply with this policy.

(10)                Continuous Review: This Article will be reviewed periodically by the Secretariat to ensure it remains up-to-date with evolving legal frameworks and best practices related to anti-bribery and corruption.